gems, jade, jadeite, fei cui, pyroxene jade, fei cui, Japan, archaeology

Kanda describes ancient stone implements and related archaeological objects from Japan, discussing their forms, materials, manufacture, geographical distribution, and probable uses. The work includes axes, arrowheads, ornaments, and other artifacts and compares specimens from different Japanese localities. Particular attention is given to the identification of the stones from which the objects were made, including jade and related materials, making the work relevant to the early study of Japanese jade artifacts. It provides an important nineteenth-century record of Japanese prehistoric stone objects at a formative period in the development of archaeology in Japan.