C-1. How was Date Masamune’s graveyard excavated?

Upon reconstructing Zuihoden, which was burnt during WWII, in 1940, the weight of the building was estimated to exceed 350 ton, thus, we conducted an excavation research with the Date Family’s approval to discover the condition and structure of the underground of Zuihoden.

C-2. How was the condition of Date Masamune’s ashes when they were found?

His ashes were found buried in lime that crumbled radially. According to the examination, Date Masamune’s body was buried in an elliptic wooden coffin, and lime was used in between as an antiseptic. The condition of the remains was excellent because of the lime and its calcium.

C-3. Could you tell us about the process of restoring looks (face) from the remains?

We have two ways to restore looks (face) of a person from his/her remains. One is to calculate the average numerical value based on the period and the living environment of that particular person (characteristics of the remains caused by regional, historical, genetical reasons as well as the living conditions) and create a skull to embody with clay. The other way is to utilize computer graphics to restore the looks of a person in 3D based on the actual measurement of the skull (size, length and width). The former requires expertise and professional experience, and it’s usually done by the hands of experts in forensic, dentistry and anthropologic science. The latter creates an image with a computer based on numerical values. The statue of Date Masamune at Zuihoden History Museum was created with the former method.

C-4. Could you tell us about the size and the condition of the gold brooch when it was discovered at Zuihoden?

The golden brooch was in a leather bag when it was discovered from the tomb located approximately 3 meters below the ground of the Zuihoden sites. This golden brooch consists of eleven small disk plates, and the one with a clasp is made of bronze with gold plating and is 3.8cm in length and 3.9cm in width and weighs 12.51g. It is assumed this golden brooch came from Europe as it is similar to rosaries catholics wore back at the time.

C-5. Are the grave goods found at Zuihoden Date Masamune’s favorite items?

Of over 30 grave goods that were found from the tomb. the armor was judged to be what Date Masamune actually wore, and stationeries, such as ink and brushes, looked to have been used. The grave goods contained a pipe, which reminds us of how much Masamune loved tobacco, and other European items.

Of over 30 grave goods that were found from the tomb. the armor was judged to be what Date Masamune actually wore, and stationeries, such as ink and brushes, looked to have been used. The grave goods contained a pipe, which reminds us of how much Masamune loved tobacco, and other European items.

No articles nor hair were left by Date Masamune’s wife in the tomb.

C-7. What is the oldest item at Zuihoden History Museum?

The oldest item preserved at the museum is the stele (also known as Ishitoba: a memorial monument made out of a stone slab) that was discovered from the Kansenden site (the mausoleum of Date Tadamune, the second feudal lord of the Sendai Clan). Judging by the engraved letters, it was made in the period of the northern and southern dynasties. Moreover, the stele does not have a direct connection to the Date Family. It was most likely used for the construction of Date Tadamune’s graveyard.

C-8. Are there any tomb furnishings preserved at the museum that belong to other feudal lords?

The excavation data of Date Tadamune, the second feudal lord, and Date Tsunamune, the third feudal lord, is stored at the museum.