This really is interesting Nathaniel, and I havent seen these referred to in a really long time! The numeric 7 is of course a most auspicious number and I originally wondered if there were associations to the seven stars etc.
I understand these were used symbolically in diplomatic relations to secure political alliances, and are known in use around the 4th c. in the contacts between the mainland and Japan, particularly with Korea.
I believe later these became noted in burial ceremony during the Kofun period which is a term referring to these ceremonial funerary practices.
I am wondering if they appear later or anywhere else in China or Korea. It s noted that these are believed of Korean origin based on the tree motif if I understand correctly.
Best regards,
Jim
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