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==History==
==History==
The system was established in [[1884]], in the [[Meiji period]], in conjunction with efforts to create a systematized set of "national" traditions, and a national narrative of Japan's history, comparable to those possessed by "modern" nation-states in the West. The first object to be designated a National Treasure was a 7th century statue of [[Miroku]] held at [[Koryu-ji|Kôryû-ji]] in Kyoto.
The system was established in [[1884]], in the [[Meiji period]], in conjunction with efforts to create a systematized set of "national" traditions, and a national narrative of Japan's history, comparable to those possessed by "modern" nation-states in the West. The first object to be designated a National Treasure was a 7th century wooden Buddha statue held at [[Koryu-ji|Kôryû-ji]] in Kyoto.<ref>This sculpture has traditionally been identified as a depiction of Maitreya (J: ''[[Miroku]]''), but today many scholars suggest that the identity of the figure is unclear. Conrad Schirokauer, et al, ''A Brief History of Japanese Civilization'', Wadsworth Cengage (2013), 29.</ref>
The Japanese government, which held Korea as a colony from [[1910]]-1945, also compiled a list of "National Treasures of Korea." The Republic of Korea (aka South Korea) today retains that list, with numerous post-independence additions.
The Japanese government, which held Korea as a colony from [[1910]]-1945, also compiled a list of "National Treasures of Korea." The Republic of Korea (aka South Korea) today retains that list, with numerous post-independence additions.
**Tentôki and Ryûtôki lantern-bearers
**Tentôki and Ryûtôki lantern-bearers
*[[Kamakura Daibutsu]] ([[Koto-in|Kôtô-in]], [[Kamakura]]) - constructed 1252
*[[Kamakura Daibutsu]] ([[Koto-in|Kôtô-in]], [[Kamakura]]) - constructed 1252
*Kôryû-ji (Kyoto) - 7th century Buddhist sculpture in Korean style (possibly made in Korea); wood, 92 cm tall - first object to be designated a National Treasure<ref>This sculpture has traditionally been identified as a depiction of Maitreya (J: ''[[Miroku]]''), but today many scholars suggest that the identity of the figure is unclear.</ref>
*Kôryû-ji (Kyoto) - 7th century Buddhist sculpture in Korean style (possibly made in Korea); wood, 92 cm tall - first object to be designated a National Treasure
*[[Todai-ji|Tôdai-ji]] (Nara):
*[[Todai-ji|Tôdai-ji]] (Nara):
**[[Bonten]] and [[Taishakuten]], dry lacquer, 8th c.
**[[Bonten]] and [[Taishakuten]], dry lacquer, 8th c.