Difference between revisions of "National Treasures"

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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 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 [[Colonial Korea|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.
  
 
Up until 1932, the only buildings that could be designated National Treasures were [[Buddhist temples]] and [[Shinto shrines]].<ref>Loo, Tze M. “Shuri Castle’s Other History: Architecture and Empire in Okinawa.” ''The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus'' 41 (12 Oct 2009).</ref> This was then modified to allow Japanese castles and other sites of historical importance to be added to the category.
 
Up until 1932, the only buildings that could be designated National Treasures were [[Buddhist temples]] and [[Shinto shrines]].<ref>Loo, Tze M. “Shuri Castle’s Other History: Architecture and Empire in Okinawa.” ''The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus'' 41 (12 Oct 2009).</ref> This was then modified to allow Japanese castles and other sites of historical importance to be added to the category.
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==List of National Treasures==
 
==List of National Treasures==
 +
[[File:Kofunslippers.jpg|right|thumb|320px|Gilt bronze slippers from Eta Funayama [[kofun]], Kumamoto prefecture. Tokyo National Museum]]
 +
 +
===Archaeological Materials===
 +
*[[Eisei Bunko]] (Tokyo):
 +
**"Hosokawa Mirror" - a [[bronze mirror]] excavated outside of [[Luoyang]] and dating to China's [[Warring States Period]]
 +
*Fukuoka City Museum (Fukuoka):
 +
**Gold seal granted in [[57]] CE to the State of [[Na]] by [[Emperor Guangwu]] of [[Han Dynasty|Han]]
 +
*Hachinohe City Museum:
 +
**[[Dogu|Dogû]] from Aomori kazahari excavation site.<ref name=aka2009/>
 +
*[[Isonokami Shrine]] ([[Tenri]], [[Nara prefecture]]):
 +
**[[Seven Branch Sword]], 4th c.
 +
*The Museum, [[Archaeological Institute of Kashihara]], Nara Prefecture:
 +
**Objects excavated from [[Fujinoki kofun]], 6th c., [[Ikaruga]], Nara pref.
 +
*Tokyo National Museum:
 +
**Swords, gilt bronze slippers, and other objects from [[Eta Funayama kofun]], [[Kumamoto prefecture]], 5-6th century
 +
**Ritual objects from consecration of Kôfuku-ji, Nara, 8th century, discovered [[1874]]
 +
 +
===Castles & Residences===
 
[[File:Himeji1.jpg|right|thumb|320px|[[Himeji castle]]]]
 
[[File:Himeji1.jpg|right|thumb|320px|[[Himeji castle]]]]
−
===Castles & Residences===
+
*[[Akasaka Palace]]<ref name=aka2009>Designated in 2009. ''Kokuhô no bi'' 50, Asahi Shinbun shuppan (2010), 22-23.</ref>
−
*[[Akasaka Palace]]<ref name=2009>Designated in 2009. ''Kokuhô no bi'' 50, Asahi Shinbun shuppan (2010), 22-23.</ref>
 
 
*[[Hikone castle]] - main ''tenshu''
 
*[[Hikone castle]] - main ''tenshu''
 
*[[Himeji castle]] - various buildings
 
*[[Himeji castle]] - various buildings
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*Documents related to the [[Keicho Embassy|Keichô Embassy]], held at Sendai City Museum.<ref>Designated in 2001. ''Kokuhô no bi'' 50, Asahi Shinbun shuppan (2010), 14-21.</ref>
 
*Documents related to the [[Keicho Embassy|Keichô Embassy]], held at Sendai City Museum.<ref>Designated in 2001. ''Kokuhô no bi'' 50, Asahi Shinbun shuppan (2010), 14-21.</ref>
 
*Documents of the [[Shimazu clan]] (''Shimazu ke monjo'', held at [[Shiryohensanjo|Shiryôhensanjo]], [[University of Tokyo]])<ref>[http://www.hi.u-tokyo.ac.jp/collection/collection02-j.html 所蔵資料紹介：貴重書], Historiographical Institute, University of Tokyo.</ref>
 
*Documents of the [[Shimazu clan]] (''Shimazu ke monjo'', held at [[Shiryohensanjo|Shiryôhensanjo]], [[University of Tokyo]])<ref>[http://www.hi.u-tokyo.ac.jp/collection/collection02-j.html 所蔵資料紹介：貴重書], Historiographical Institute, University of Tokyo.</ref>
 +
 +
===Other Buildings===
 +
*[[Tamaudun]] ([[Shuri]], [[Okinawa prefecture|Okinawa]])
  
 
===Paintings & Calligraphy===
 
===Paintings & Calligraphy===
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*[[Tokyo National Museum]]:
 
*[[Tokyo National Museum]]:
 
**Imaginary Tour through [[Eight Views of Xiao and Xiang|Xiaoxiang]], Southern Song Dynasty (12th c.)
 
**Imaginary Tour through [[Eight Views of Xiao and Xiang|Xiaoxiang]], Southern Song Dynasty (12th c.)
 +
**"Pine Grove" by [[Hasegawa Tohaku|Hasegawa Tôhaku]], c. 1590s
 
**Sixteen Arhats set of hanging scrolls, 11th century
 
**Sixteen Arhats set of hanging scrolls, 11th century
 
**[[Yintuoluo]] - hanging scroll of [[Hanshan]] and [[Shide]]<ref name=lacma>Exhibition checklist, "[http://www.lacma.org/sites/default/files/CPJC%20ROTATIONS%201%20AND%202_online.pdf Chinese Paintings from Japanese Collections]," LACMA, May 10 2014.</ref>
 
**[[Yintuoluo]] - hanging scroll of [[Hanshan]] and [[Shide]]<ref name=lacma>Exhibition checklist, "[http://www.lacma.org/sites/default/files/CPJC%20ROTATIONS%201%20AND%202_online.pdf Chinese Paintings from Japanese Collections]," LACMA, May 10 2014.</ref>
−
*[[Yosa Buson]] - ''Yashoku rôdai zu'' ("Snow Falling on Ten Thousand Homes", private collection)<ref name=2009/>
+
*[[Yosa Buson]] - ''Yashoku rôdai zu'' ("Snow Falling on Ten Thousand Homes", private collection)<ref name=aka2009/>
 
*''Yamagoe [[Amida]] zu'' (painting of Amida crossing the mountains, [[Zenrin-ji]], Kyoto)
 
*''Yamagoe [[Amida]] zu'' (painting of Amida crossing the mountains, [[Zenrin-ji]], Kyoto)
  
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*[[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
 
*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
 +
*[[Sanjusangendo|Sanjûsangendô]] (Kyoto):
 +
**1001 statues of [[Kannon]]
 +
**Large central statue of Senju Kannon, by the sculptor [[Tankei]]
 +
**Statues of [[Fujin|Fûjin]] and [[Raijin]]
 +
**Statues of 28 attendants
 
*[[Todai-ji|Tôdai-ji]] (Nara):
 
*[[Todai-ji|Tôdai-ji]] (Nara):
 
**[[Bonten]] and [[Taishakuten]], dry lacquer, 8th c.
 
**[[Bonten]] and [[Taishakuten]], dry lacquer, 8th c.
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[[File:Engakuji Shariden.jpg|right|thumb|240px|The ''shariden'' at [[Engaku-ji]] (in the distance)]]
 
[[File:Engakuji Shariden.jpg|right|thumb|240px|The ''shariden'' at [[Engaku-ji]] (in the distance)]]
 
[[File:Toji-pagoda.jpg|right|thumb|240px|The pagoda at [[Toji|Tô-ji]]]]
 
[[File:Toji-pagoda.jpg|right|thumb|240px|The pagoda at [[Toji|Tô-ji]]]]
−
*[[Zuigan-ji]] ([[Matushima]], [[Miyagi prefecture]]) - Main Hall and ''Kuri''
 
 
*Byôdô-in (Uji, Kyoto): Phoenix Hall, 1053, ''shinden-zukuri'' architecture
 
*Byôdô-in (Uji, Kyoto): Phoenix Hall, 1053, ''shinden-zukuri'' architecture
 
*Daitoku-ji (Kyoto):
 
*Daitoku-ji (Kyoto):
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**[[Yumedono]]
 
**[[Yumedono]]
 
*[[Kiyomizu-dera]] (Kyoto) Main Hall
 
*[[Kiyomizu-dera]] (Kyoto) Main Hall
−
*[[Myotsu-ji|Myôtsû-ji]] ([[Obama]], [[Fukui prefecture]]) - ''hondô'' and three-story pagoda
 
 
*Kôfuku-ji (Nara):
 
*Kôfuku-ji (Nara):
 
**Three-storied pagoda
 
**Three-storied pagoda
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**Eastern Golden Hall
 
**Eastern Golden Hall
 
**Northern Octagonal Hall
 
**Northern Octagonal Hall
 +
*[[Myoo-in|Myôô-in]] ([[Fukuyama]], [[Hiroshima prefecture]]) - main hall (''hondô'') and pagoda
 +
*[[Myotsu-ji|Myôtsû-ji]] ([[Obama]], [[Fukui prefecture]]) - ''hondô'' and three-story pagoda
 
*[[Nanzen-ji]] - Large and Small ''hôjô''
 
*[[Nanzen-ji]] - Large and Small ''hôjô''
 
*[[Negoro-dera]] - ''[[Tahoto|Tahôtô]]''
 
*[[Negoro-dera]] - ''[[Tahoto|Tahôtô]]''
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*[[Tofuku-ji|Tôfuku-ji]] (Kyoto) - main gate
 
*[[Tofuku-ji|Tôfuku-ji]] (Kyoto) - main gate
 
*[[To-ji|Tô-ji]] (Kyoto) pagoda - tallest wooden pagoda in Japan
 
*[[To-ji|Tô-ji]] (Kyoto) pagoda - tallest wooden pagoda in Japan
 +
*[[Zuigan-ji]] ([[Matushima]], [[Miyagi prefecture]]) - Main Hall and ''Kuri''
  
 
===Temple Bells===
 
===Temple Bells===
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===Other===
 
===Other===
−
[[File:Kofunslippers.jpg|right|thumb|320px|Gilt bronze slippers from Eta Funayama [[kofun]], Kumamoto prefecture. Tokyo National Museum]]
+
*[[Eisei Bunko]] (Tokyo):
 +
**''Shigure raden kura'' - Kamakura period lacquerware saddle decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay
 
*Engaku-ji (Kamakura) - Buddhist relics
 
*Engaku-ji (Kamakura) - Buddhist relics
−
*Fukuoka City Museum (Fukuoka):
 
−
**Gold seal granted in [[57]] CE to the State of [[Na]] by [[Emperor Guangwu]] of [[Han Dynasty|Han]]
 
−
*Hachinohe City Museum:
 
−
**[[Dogu|Dogû]] from Aomori kazahari excavation site.<ref name=2009/>
 
 
*Naha City Museum of History:
 
*Naha City Museum of History:
−
**"Ryukyu King Sho Family Relevant Documents" (''Ryûkyû kokuô Shô-ke kankei shiryô'') - includes numerous ''[[bingata]]'', ''[[kasuri]]'', and other garments, as well as works of [[Ryukyuan lacquerware]], [[Ryukyuan pottery|pottery]], and metalwork, along with three swords (incl. [[Chiyoganemaru]]) and the [[Ryukyu investiture crown|Ryukyuan investiture crown]], all objects previously owned by the [[Ryukyu Kingdom|Ryukyuan]] [[Sho Dynasty|royal family]].<ref>Despite the name, this grouping of National Treasures does not include written or published documents, but rather objects of decorative arts and practical use. You can see all the objects on the museum's [http://www.rekishi-archive.city.naha.okinawa.jp/archives/item1 Digital Museum page].</ref>
+
**"[[Ryukyu Royal Sho Family Documents|Ryûkyû Royal Shô Family Documents]]" (''Ryûkyû kokuô Shô-ke kankei shiryô'') - includes 1,207 historical documents and 85 art treasures associated with the former [[Ryukyu Kingdom|Ryukyuan]] [[Sho Dynasty|royal family]]. The art treasures include numerous ''[[bingata]]'', ''[[kasuri]]'', and other garments, as well as works of [[Ryukyuan lacquerware]], [[Ryukyuan pottery|pottery]], and metalwork, along with three swords (incl. [[Chiyoganemaru]]) and the sole surviving [[Ryukyu investiture crown]].<ref>You can see all the objects on the museum's [http://www.rekishi-archive.city.naha.okinawa.jp/archives/item1 Digital Museum page].</ref>
−
*Tokyo National Museum:
 
−
**Swords, gilt bronze slippers, and other objects from [[Eta Funayama kofun]], [[Kumamoto prefecture]], 5-6th century
 
−
**Ritual objects from consecration of Kôfuku-ji, Nara, 8th century, discovered [[1874]]
 
 
*Zenrin-ji - gilt bronze lotus-shaped gong, [[Tang Dynasty]]
 
*Zenrin-ji - gilt bronze lotus-shaped gong, [[Tang Dynasty]]
  
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*[[Shuri castle]] - named a National Treasure c. 1925; destroyed 1945.
 
*[[Shuri castle]] - named a National Treasure c. 1925; destroyed 1945.
 
*[[Sogen-ji|Sôgen-ji]] - named a National Treasure in 1933; destroyed 1945.
 
*[[Sogen-ji|Sôgen-ji]] - named a National Treasure in 1933; destroyed 1945.
−
 
+
*Main hall of [[Sueyoshi Shrine]] - named a National Treasure in 1936; destroyed 1945.
 
{{stub}}
 
{{stub}}
  
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[[Category:Meiji Period]]
 
[[Category:Meiji Period]]
 
[[Category:Art and Architecture]]
 
[[Category:Art and Architecture]]
 +
[[Category:Resource Articles]]

Latest revision as of 04:00, 27 May 2020

Standing Kômoku-ten, wooden sculpture, Heian period, Jôruri-ji, Kyoto
  • System Established: 1884
  • Japanese: 国宝 (kokuhou)

Japan maintains several hierarchies or systems of designating objects, structures, and sites as being of cultural or historical importance. Those considered to be of the greatest importance are dubbed National Treasures. National Treasures cannot be exported, and are only loaned overseas on very rare occasions.

A select few individuals considered to be of exceptional prominence or importance in maintaining cultural traditions are named Living National Treasures.

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 wooden Buddha statue held at Kôryû-ji in Kyoto.[1]

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.

Up until 1932, the only buildings that could be designated National Treasures were Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.[2] This was then modified to allow Japanese castles and other sites of historical importance to be added to the category.

Many National Treasures were sadly damaged or destroyed by Allied bombing, or otherwise, during World War II. Prior to that, there were 1,058 sites in Japan designated as National Treasures, incorporating 1,729 buildings.[3]

New legislation in 1950 divided the category of National Treasures into National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, a prestigious but lower-ranking category.

List of National Treasures

Gilt bronze slippers from Eta Funayama kofun, Kumamoto prefecture. Tokyo National Museum

Archaeological Materials

Castles & Residences

Himeji castle

Historical Documents

Other Buildings

Paintings & Calligraphy

"Parody of the Four Accomplishments" (detail), by Shibata Zeshin (Metropolitan Museum); based on the Hikone Screen, a National Treasure

Sculptures

The Kamakura Daibutsu

Shrines

The view from within Itsukushima Shrine

Swords

(See Famous Samurai Swords for a list of notable swords, including many National Treasures not listed here.)

Temples

The pagoda and Eastern Kondô at Kôfuku-ji
The shariden at Engaku-ji (in the distance)
The pagoda at Tô-ji
  • Byôdô-in (Uji, Kyoto): Phoenix Hall, 1053, shinden-zukuri architecture
  • Daitoku-ji (Kyoto):
  • Engaku-ji (Kamakura): Shariden - the oldest example in Japan of multi-storied, three-bayed, irimoya Chinese-style architecture
  • Gangô-ji (Nara): Zen-dô
  • Ginkaku-ji (Kyoto): Silver Pavilion (1489) and Tôgûdô (1486)
  • Hannya-ji (Nara): stone pagoda (13th c.)
  • Hôryû-ji (Nara):
    • Bell Tower
    • Chûmon gate
    • East and West Corridors
    • East (higashimuro) and West Dormitory (nishimuro)
    • Five-story pagoda - one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world
    • Kôdo (Lecture Hall)
    • Kôfûzô
    • Kondô - one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world
    • Nandaimon gate
    • Refectory (Dining Hall)
    • Shôryô-in
    • Sutra House (kyôzô)
    • Three Sutra Hall (sankyôin)
    • Tôdaimon gate
    • Tôin Bell Tower
    • Tôin Denpôdô
    • West Octagonal Hall (saiendô)
    • Yumedono
  • Kiyomizu-dera (Kyoto) Main Hall
  • Kôfuku-ji (Nara):
    • Three-storied pagoda
    • five-storied pagoda - second tallest pagoda in Japan
    • Eastern Golden Hall
    • Northern Octagonal Hall
  • Myôô-in (Fukuyama, Hiroshima prefecture) - main hall (hondô) and pagoda
  • Myôtsû-ji (Obama, Fukui prefecture) - hondô and three-story pagoda
  • Nanzen-ji - Large and Small hôjô
  • Negoro-dera - Tahôtô
  • Ninna-ji - Main Hall (kondô)
  • Nishi Honganji karamon gate
  • Sanjûsangendô main hall
  • Tôdai-ji (Nara):
    • Bell tower
    • Daibutsuden - largest wooden building in the world
    • Founders' Hall
    • Nandaimon gate
    • Nigatsu-dô
    • Sangatsu-dô
    • Shôsôin Imperial Treasure House
    • Sutra House
    • Tegaimon gate
  • Tôfuku-ji (Kyoto) - main gate
  • Tô-ji (Kyoto) pagoda - tallest wooden pagoda in Japan
  • Zuigan-ji (Matushima, Miyagi prefecture) - Main Hall and Kuri

Temple Bells

Temple bell at Kanzeon-ji in Dazaifu

Textiles & Garments

Other

Destroyed Former National Treasures

The stone gates of Sôgen-ji

Tokyo

  • Sensôji - Main Hall (hondô aka Kannon-dô) and pagoda named National Treasures in 1907; destroyed 1945.

Okinawa Prefecture

(See also National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties in Okinawa)

  • Engaku-ji - named a National Treasure in 1933; destroyed in 1945. Rebuilt gates and bridge named Important Cultural Property in 1975.
  • Naminoue Shrine temple bell - cast 956, named National Treasure 1907; destroyed 1945.
  • Oki Shrine - named a National Treasure in 1935; destroyed 1945.
  • Shureimon at Shuri castle - named a National Treasure in 1933; destroyed 1945.
  • Shuri castle - named a National Treasure c. 1925; destroyed 1945.
  • Sôgen-ji - named a National Treasure in 1933; destroyed 1945.
  • Main hall of Sueyoshi Shrine - named a National Treasure in 1936; destroyed 1945.
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References

  • Gallery labels and explanatory plaques at various sites.
  1. ↑ 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.
  2. ↑ Loo, Tze M. “Shuri Castle’s Other History: Architecture and Empire in Okinawa.” The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus 41 (12 Oct 2009).
  3. ↑ Suzuki Kakichi, Miyamoto Chôjirô and Ushikawa Yoshiyuki. "Ryûkyûan Architecture: Its History and Features." in Okinawa bijutsu zenshû 沖縄美術全集. vol. 5. Okinawa Times, 1989.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Designated in 2009. Kokuhô no bi 50, Asahi Shinbun shuppan (2010), 22-23.
  5. ↑ Designated in 2001. Kokuhô no bi 50, Asahi Shinbun shuppan (2010), 14-21.
  6. ↑ 所蔵資料紹介：貴重書, Historiographical Institute, University of Tokyo.
  7. ↑ Exhibition checklist, "Chinese Paintings from Japanese Collections," LACMA, May 10 2014.
  8. ↑ Albert M. Craig, The Heritage of Japanese Civilization, Second Edition, Prentice Hall (2011), 57.
  9. ↑ You can see all the objects on the museum's Digital Museum page.
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