Where did the Byodo-in glass come from - Study of the origin of the ancient Japanese glass by on site XRF analysis

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We developed a new portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for micro analysis of cultural heritage. We have revealed the transition of chemical compositions of the ancient Japanese glass from Yayoi to Heian periods by using our original XRF spectrometers. We carried out on site analysis at museums and archaeological sites in various countries in Eurasia as well as in Japan to reveal distribution of glass from West to East via Central Asia. We have analyzed for the first time the Crown (National Treasure) of the standing statue of Fukukensaku Kannon, enshrined at the Hokkedo, Todaiji, Nara, which is composed of more than 10 thousands glass beads and rated as the most supreme glass cultural heritage in Japan, revealing a transition of the glass compositions: the crown has three types of soda silica glasses as well as lead glass. We have also revealed the transition of the lead glass in Kofun, Nara, Heian (Byodoin glass) to Muromachi periods, which fulfills the purpose of our study.