Shibi, evidence of the existence of Naniwa Palace, a phantom palace

Shibi (Fragment of decorative roof tile) Nara period/8th century Unearthed at the site of Naniwa Palace (Cultural Property Designated by the City of Osaka )

This fragment of a large decorative roof tile (known as shibi) was unearthed in 1953 during construction of a residential building at Hoenzaka in the Chuo-ku of Osaka. Shibi is a large roof tile typically used to decorate ancient palaces and Buddhist buildings. The discovery of this tile fragment strengthened the theory that Naniwa Palace existed on this site, and prompted an extensive excavation project in the immediate area. Excavations continue to this day, and Further discoveries over the years have demonstrated that the so-called “phantom palace” almost certainly did exist. Built in ancient times, Naniwa Palace is an important archaeological site as the root of the city of Osaka.