Photo/Illutration Media members in a restoration workroom on March 9 view the restored ancient drawing of noblewomen known as “Asuka Beauties” that was found in the Takamatsuzuka burial mound in Asuka, Nara Prefecture. (Pool)

ASUKA, Nara Prefecture—Colorful murals uncovered at the Takamatsuzuka burial mound here in what was dubbed “the great discovery of the century” could still reveal their mysteries 50 years after they were found.

The murals, which are designated as national treasures, comprise paintings of 16 men and women, as well as drawings of guardian deities representing four directions and deriving from ancient Chinese thought.

Their discoveries, half a century ago on March 21, sparked a boom in studies of ancient Japanese history.

Among the best-known pictures is one of noblewomen called “Asuka Beauties.”

The murals adorned the inner walls of the stone chamber of the Takamatsuzuka burial mound, which is believed to have been built between the late seventh century and early eighth century.

The stone chamber was dismantled to save the murals, which were found in a bad shape from rampant black mold stains.

The 12-year restoration work of the murals was completed in March 2020.

Earlier this month, members of news outlets were allowed for the first time to enter a workroom where the restoration process took place.

With the black stains now removed, “Asuka Beauties” can now be seen in the original vivid hues and may provide clues about the period in which they were created.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs plans to build a facility by fiscal 2029 in Asuka village where the restored murals will be preserved and shown to the public.

The Asahi Shimbun organized a symposium in Tokyo on March 20 to mark the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the murals.

Yoshitaka Ariga, professor emeritus of Buddhist art at Tohoku University, gave a lecture at the symposium on when the murals were created and the influence of overseas art.

He noted the features of the clothing on and the characteristics of the people depicted.

“The murals were excellent pieces worthy of the beginning of Japanese art history,” said Ariga, who was an employee of the Agency for Cultural Affairs when the murals were found 50 years ago. “They were created in the Chinese style of expression and in bright colors made of high-quality pigments.”

(This article was compiled from reports by Kenji Shimizu and senior staff writer Shunsuke Nakamura.)

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Vivid colors have returned to the painting dubbed “Asuka Beauties.” (Provided by the Asuka village board of education)

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