A stable isotopic constraint on the origin of sulphur ore excavated from the exotic four-lobe jars that prevailed during late medieval to early modern times in Sakai (Osaka), south-western Japan

Stable sulphur isotope ratios were determined for native sulphur ore that was excavated from exotic four-lobe jars in Sakai, south-western Japan. The jars were buried after a fire event that occurred on 28 April 1615. The sulphur isotopic results (average S-34=+0.5 parts per thousand) were evaluated in terms of comparing ancient documents with a database from new sulphur collections. The origin of the sulphur ore is estimated to be transportation from native sulphur deposits formed around the solfataric fumaroles from Mts Garan and Kuju-Iwozan, in central-eastern Kyushu. These analytical results support the validity of history based on the analysis of ancient documents.