A team of researchers has finally solved the long-standing mystery of Japan’s mummified ‘rainbow dragon,’ a relic that has intrigued scholars and historians for centuries. The skeleton, which has been stored in the Shosoin Treasure House in Nara, was discovered in 1429 by Yoshinori Ashikaga, a 15th-century shogun, and has since remained an enigmatic artifact. The creature, once believed to be a mythical dragon, has now been identified as a female Japanese marten, a weasel-like mammal native to central and southern Japan.
Recent studies using x-ray technology and radiocarbon dating have confirmed that the marten dates back to the 11th or 12th century. This revelation has sparked renewed interest in the historical and cultural significance of the find, as it represents a rare example of natural preservation in ancient Japan. The Shosoin Treasure House, which houses the mummified animal, has been praised for its role in preserving such artifacts, showcasing the importance of cultural heritage conservation.
According to Mami Tsuru, a conservationist at the Shosoin Treasure House, the age determination has significantly increased the possibility that the mummy is the sun-dried dragon-looking object recorded in the document from the Muromachi Period. This discovery not only highlights the historical curiosity surrounding the mummified creature but also underscores the scientific efforts that have helped uncover the truth behind centuries-old legends. The mummy, though lacking its forelegs, continues to captivate the public imagination, serving as a unique artifact of Japan’s rich and diverse natural history.