Difference between revisions of "National Treasures"
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| + | [[File:Joruriji-komokuten.JPG|right|thumb|320px|Standing Kômoku-ten, wooden sculpture, [[Heian period]], [[Joruri-ji|Jôruri-ji]], Kyoto]] | ||
*''System Established: [[1884]]'' | *''System Established: [[1884]]'' | ||
*''Japanese'': 国宝 ''(kokuhou)'' | *''Japanese'': 国宝 ''(kokuhou)'' | ||
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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 | + | 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. | ||
| Line 18: | Line 19: | ||
==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=== | ===Castles & Residences=== | ||
| + | [[File:Himeji1.jpg|right|thumb|320px|[[Himeji castle]]]] | ||
| + | *[[Akasaka Palace]]<ref name=aka2009>Designated in 2009. ''Kokuhô no bi'' 50, Asahi Shinbun shuppan (2010), 22-23.</ref> | ||
| + | *[[Hikone castle]] - main ''tenshu'' | ||
| + | *[[Himeji castle]] - various buildings | ||
*[[Nijo castle|Nijô castle]] - Ninomaru Palace | *[[Nijo castle|Nijô castle]] - Ninomaru Palace | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Historical Documents=== | ||
| + | *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> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Other Buildings=== | ||
| + | *[[Tamaudun]] ([[Shuri]], [[Okinawa prefecture|Okinawa]]) | ||
===Paintings & Calligraphy=== | ===Paintings & Calligraphy=== | ||
| + | [[File:Hikone-zeshin.JPG|right|thumb|320px|"Parody of the Four Accomplishments" (detail), by [[Shibata Zeshin]] (Metropolitan Museum); based on the ''[[Hikone Screen]]'', a National Treasure]] | ||
| + | *''[[Ban Dainagon Ekotoba]]'' ([[Idemitsu Museum]], Tokyo) | ||
| + | *''[[Choju-jinbutsu-giga|Chôjû-jinbutsu-giga]]'' ([[Kozan-ji|Kôzan-ji]], Kyoto) | ||
*[[Daitoku-ji]], [[Kyoto]]: | *[[Daitoku-ji]], [[Kyoto]]: | ||
**[[Mu Qi]] ink triptych ([[Kannon]], crane, monkeys) | **[[Mu Qi]] ink triptych ([[Kannon]], crane, monkeys) | ||
| Line 28: | Line 59: | ||
**Daitoku-ji [[Shinju-an]] - various paintings, works of calligraphy, etc. including works of calligraphy by [[Daito Kokushi|Daitô Kokushi]]. | **Daitoku-ji [[Shinju-an]] - various paintings, works of calligraphy, etc. including works of calligraphy by [[Daito Kokushi|Daitô Kokushi]]. | ||
*Eingakyô illustrated [[sutra]] scroll ([[Jobonrendaiji|Jôbonrendaiji]], Kyoto) | *Eingakyô illustrated [[sutra]] scroll ([[Jobonrendaiji|Jôbonrendaiji]], Kyoto) | ||
| + | *"[[Hikone Screen]]s," ([[Hikone castle]]) | ||
| + | *[[Jingo-ji]], Kyoto: | ||
| + | **Portrait of [[Minamoto no Yoritomo]], attr. [[Fujiwara no Takanobu]] | ||
| + | **''Red and White Plum Blossoms'' folding screens, [[Ogata Korin|Ogata Kôrin]] (MOA, Museum of Art, [[Atami]], Shizuoka pref.) | ||
| + | **''Shaka Nyorai'' hanging scroll painting | ||
| + | *''Kitano Tenjin Engi Emaki'' ([[Kitano Tenmangu|Kitano Tenmangû]], Kyoto) | ||
| + | *[[Shokoku-ji|Shôkoku-ji]], Kyoto: | ||
| + | **"Colorful Realm of Living Beings," [[Ito Jakuchu|Itô Jakuchû]], set of 32 hanging scrolls | ||
| + | *[[Tawaraya Sotatsu|Tawaraya Sôtatsu]] - Fûjin/Raijin screens ([[Kennin-ji]], Kyoto) | ||
| + | *[[Tokyo National Museum]]: | ||
| + | **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 | ||
| + | **[[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=aka2009/> | ||
| + | *''Yamagoe [[Amida]] zu'' (painting of Amida crossing the mountains, [[Zenrin-ji]], Kyoto) | ||
===Sculptures=== | ===Sculptures=== | ||
| + | [[File:Kamakura-daibutsu.jpg|right|thumb|320px|The [[Kamakura Daibutsu]]]] | ||
*[[Byodo-in|Byôdô-in]] ([[Uji]], [[Kyoto prefecture]]): [[Amida]] statue by [[Jocho|Jôchô]] ([[1053]]), along with other sculptures and artifacts on site | *[[Byodo-in|Byôdô-in]] ([[Uji]], [[Kyoto prefecture]]): [[Amida]] statue by [[Jocho|Jôchô]] ([[1053]]), along with other sculptures and artifacts on site | ||
| + | *[[Joruri-ji|Jôruri-ji]] (Kyoto): Standing Kômoku-ten, wood, 12th century | ||
*[[Kofuku-ji|Kôfuku-ji]] ([[Nara]]): | *[[Kofuku-ji|Kôfuku-ji]] ([[Nara]]): | ||
**''Jûdaideshi'' ([[Ten Great Disciples]]) sculptures, [[dry lacquer]], [[734]] | **''Jûdaideshi'' ([[Ten Great Disciples]]) sculptures, [[dry lacquer]], [[734]] | ||
| Line 37: | Line 86: | ||
**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 | + | *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. | ||
| Line 46: | Line 100: | ||
===Shrines=== | ===Shrines=== | ||
| + | [[File:Itsukushima.jpg|right|thumb|320px|The view from within [[Itsukushima Shrine]]]] | ||
*[[Itsukushima Shrine]] ([[Miyajima]], [[Hiroshima prefecture]]) ''honden'', ''haiden'', ''heiden'', ''haraedono'', ''marôdo jinja'' | *[[Itsukushima Shrine]] ([[Miyajima]], [[Hiroshima prefecture]]) ''honden'', ''haiden'', ''heiden'', ''haraedono'', ''marôdo jinja'' | ||
| + | *[[Izumo Taisha]] (Shimane pref.) - Main Hall | ||
*[[Kitano Tenmangu|Kitano Tenmangû]] (Kyoto) - ''haiden'' and ''honden'', built [[1607]] | *[[Kitano Tenmangu|Kitano Tenmangû]] (Kyoto) - ''haiden'' and ''honden'', built [[1607]] | ||
*[[Nikko Toshogu|Nikkô Tôshôgû]] ([[Nikko|Nikkô]], [[Tochigi prefecture]]) ''[[karamon]]'' | *[[Nikko Toshogu|Nikkô Tôshôgû]] ([[Nikko|Nikkô]], [[Tochigi prefecture]]) ''[[karamon]]'' | ||
*[[Shimogamo Shrine]] (Kyoto) East and West Main Halls (''honden'') | *[[Shimogamo Shrine]] (Kyoto) East and West Main Halls (''honden'') | ||
| + | *[[Ujigami Shrine]] ''haiden'' (main worship hall) - early [[Kamakura period]], example of ''[[shinden-zukuri]]'' architecture | ||
===Swords=== | ===Swords=== | ||
| Line 55: | Line 112: | ||
===Temples=== | ===Temples=== | ||
| + | [[File:Kofukuji.jpg|right|thumb|320px|The pagoda and Eastern Kondô at [[Kofuku-ji|Kôfuku-ji]]]] | ||
| + | [[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]]]] | ||
*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): | ||
| Line 60: | Line 120: | ||
**''Karamon'' gate - possibly from [[Jurakudai]] | **''Karamon'' gate - possibly from [[Jurakudai]] | ||
*[[Engaku-ji]] (Kamakura): ''Shariden'' - the oldest example in Japan of multi-storied, three-bayed, ''[[irimoya]]'' Chinese-style architecture | *[[Engaku-ji]] (Kamakura): ''Shariden'' - the oldest example in Japan of multi-storied, three-bayed, ''[[irimoya]]'' Chinese-style architecture | ||
| + | *[[Gango-ji|Gangô-ji]] (Nara): Zen-dô | ||
*[[Ginkaku-ji]] (Kyoto): Silver Pavilion ([[1489]]) and Tôgûdô (1486) | *[[Ginkaku-ji]] (Kyoto): Silver Pavilion ([[1489]]) and Tôgûdô (1486) | ||
| + | *[[Hannya-ji]] (Nara): stone pagoda (13th c.) | ||
*[[Horyu-ji|Hôryû-ji]] (Nara): | *[[Horyu-ji|Hôryû-ji]] (Nara): | ||
**Bell Tower | **Bell Tower | ||
| Line 79: | Line 141: | ||
**Tôin ''Denpôdô'' | **Tôin ''Denpôdô'' | ||
**West Octagonal Hall (''saiendô'') | **West Octagonal Hall (''saiendô'') | ||
| − | **Yumedono | + | **[[Yumedono]] |
*[[Kiyomizu-dera]] (Kyoto) Main Hall | *[[Kiyomizu-dera]] (Kyoto) Main Hall | ||
| − | |||
*Kôfuku-ji (Nara): | *Kôfuku-ji (Nara): | ||
**Three-storied pagoda | **Three-storied pagoda | ||
| Line 87: | Line 148: | ||
**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'' | ||
| + | *[[Negoro-dera]] - ''[[Tahoto|Tahôtô]]'' | ||
| + | *[[Ninna-ji]] - Main Hall (''kondô'') | ||
*[[Nishi Honganji]] ''karamon'' gate | *[[Nishi Honganji]] ''karamon'' gate | ||
*[[Sanjusangendo|Sanjûsangendô]] main hall | *[[Sanjusangendo|Sanjûsangendô]] main hall | ||
| − | * | + | *Tôdai-ji (Nara): |
**Bell tower | **Bell tower | ||
**Daibutsuden - largest wooden building in the world | **Daibutsuden - largest wooden building in the world | ||
| Line 99: | Line 165: | ||
**Sutra House | **Sutra House | ||
**Tegaimon gate | **Tegaimon 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=== | ||
| + | [[File:Kanzeonji-bell.jpg|right|thumb|320px|Temple bell at [[Kanzeon-ji]] in [[Dazaifu]]]] | ||
*Byôdô-in (Uji, Kyoto) temple bell - one of the Three Great Bells of Japan | *Byôdô-in (Uji, Kyoto) temple bell - one of the Three Great Bells of Japan | ||
*Engaku-ji (Kamakura) temple bell | *Engaku-ji (Kamakura) temple bell | ||
*[[Kanzeon-ji]] ([[Dazaifu]], [[Fukuoka prefecture]]) temple bell - one of the oldest in the country | *[[Kanzeon-ji]] ([[Dazaifu]], [[Fukuoka prefecture]]) temple bell - one of the oldest in the country | ||
*[[Kencho-ji|Kenchô-ji]] (Kamakura) temple bell - cast [[1255]] | *[[Kencho-ji|Kenchô-ji]] (Kamakura) temple bell - cast [[1255]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Textiles & Garments=== | ||
| + | *Numerous [[Noh]] masks and robes, held by various institutions.<ref>[[Albert M. Craig]], ''The Heritage of Japanese Civilization'', Second Edition, Prentice Hall (2011), 57.</ref> | ||
| + | *[[Ryukyu investiture crown]], Naha City Museum of History | ||
===Other=== | ===Other=== | ||
| + | *[[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 | ||
| + | *Naha City Museum of History: | ||
| + | **"[[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> | ||
| + | *Zenrin-ji - gilt bronze lotus-shaped gong, [[Tang Dynasty]] | ||
===Destroyed Former National Treasures=== | ===Destroyed Former National Treasures=== | ||
| + | [[File:SogenjiIshimon.JPG|right|thumb|320px|The stone gates of [[Sogen-ji|Sôgen-ji]]]] | ||
| + | ====Tokyo==== | ||
| + | *[[Senso-ji|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]])'' | ''(See also [[National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties in Okinawa]])'' | ||
*[[Engaku-ji (Okinawa)|Engaku-ji]] - named a National Treasure in 1933; destroyed in 1945. Rebuilt gates and bridge named Important Cultural Property in 1975. | *[[Engaku-ji (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. | *[[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. | *[[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}} | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| + | *Gallery labels and explanatory plaques at various sites. | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
[[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
- 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
- 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
- Hachinohe City Museum:
- 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
- Akasaka Palace[4]
- Hikone castle - main tenshu
- Himeji castle - various buildings
- Nijô castle - Ninomaru Palace
Historical Documents
- Documents related to the Keichô Embassy, held at Sendai City Museum.[5]
- Documents of the Shimazu clan (Shimazu ke monjo, held at Shiryôhensanjo, University of Tokyo)[6]
Other Buildings
Paintings & Calligraphy
"Parody of the Four Accomplishments" (detail), by Shibata Zeshin (Metropolitan Museum); based on the Hikone Screen, a National Treasure
- Ban Dainagon Ekotoba (Idemitsu Museum, Tokyo)
- Chôjû-jinbutsu-giga (Kôzan-ji, Kyoto)
- Daitoku-ji, Kyoto:
- Mu Qi ink triptych (Kannon, crane, monkeys)
- Fusuma paintings by Kanô Eitoku and Kanô Tan'yû
- Daitoku-ji Shinju-an - various paintings, works of calligraphy, etc. including works of calligraphy by Daitô Kokushi.
- Eingakyô illustrated sutra scroll (Jôbonrendaiji, Kyoto)
- "Hikone Screens," (Hikone castle)
- Jingo-ji, Kyoto:
- Portrait of Minamoto no Yoritomo, attr. Fujiwara no Takanobu
- Red and White Plum Blossoms folding screens, Ogata Kôrin (MOA, Museum of Art, Atami, Shizuoka pref.)
- Shaka Nyorai hanging scroll painting
- Kitano Tenjin Engi Emaki (Kitano Tenmangû, Kyoto)
- Shôkoku-ji, Kyoto:
- "Colorful Realm of Living Beings," Itô Jakuchû, set of 32 hanging scrolls
- Tawaraya Sôtatsu - Fûjin/Raijin screens (Kennin-ji, Kyoto)
- Tokyo National Museum:
- Yosa Buson - Yashoku rôdai zu ("Snow Falling on Ten Thousand Homes", private collection)[4]
- Yamagoe Amida zu (painting of Amida crossing the mountains, Zenrin-ji, Kyoto)
Sculptures
- Byôdô-in (Uji, Kyoto prefecture): Amida statue by Jôchô (1053), along with other sculptures and artifacts on site
- Jôruri-ji (Kyoto): Standing Kômoku-ten, wood, 12th century
- Kôfuku-ji (Nara):
- Jûdaideshi (Ten Great Disciples) sculptures, dry lacquer, 734
- Hachibushû (Eight Legions) sculptures, including Ashura, dry lacquer, 734
- Pair of Kongô Rikishi statues
- Tentôki and Ryûtôki lantern-bearers
- Kamakura Daibutsu (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
- Sanjûsangendô (Kyoto):
- Tôdai-ji (Nara):
- Bonten and Taishakuten, dry lacquer, 8th c.
- Kongô Rikishi (Niô), dry lacquer, 8th c.
- Nandaimon Kongô Rikishi (Niô) - tallest free-standing wooden sculptures in Japan, by Unkei, 1203
- Shitennô, dry lacquer, 8th c.
- Tôshôdai-ji (Nara): Ganjin, dry lacquer, 8th c.
Shrines
The view from within Itsukushima Shrine
- Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima, Hiroshima prefecture) honden, haiden, heiden, haraedono, marôdo jinja
- Izumo Taisha (Shimane pref.) - Main Hall
- Kitano Tenmangû (Kyoto) - haiden and honden, built 1607
- Nikkô Tôshôgû (Nikkô, Tochigi prefecture) karamon
- Shimogamo Shrine (Kyoto) East and West Main Halls (honden)
- Ujigami Shrine haiden (main worship hall) - early Kamakura period, example of shinden-zukuri architecture
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
- Byôdô-in (Uji, Kyoto) temple bell - one of the Three Great Bells of Japan
- Engaku-ji (Kamakura) temple bell
- Kanzeon-ji (Dazaifu, Fukuoka prefecture) temple bell - one of the oldest in the country
- Kenchô-ji (Kamakura) temple bell - cast 1255
Textiles & Garments
- Numerous Noh masks and robes, held by various institutions.[8]
- Ryukyu investiture crown, Naha City Museum of History
Other
- Eisei Bunko (Tokyo):
- Shigure raden kura - Kamakura period lacquerware saddle decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay
- Engaku-ji (Kamakura) - Buddhist relics
- Naha City Museum of History:
- "Ryûkyû Royal Shô Family Documents" (Ryûkyû kokuô Shô-ke kankei shiryô) - includes 1,207 historical documents and 85 art treasures associated with the former Ryukyuan royal family. The art treasures include numerous bingata, kasuri, and other garments, as well as works of Ryukyuan lacquerware, pottery, and metalwork, along with three swords (incl. Chiyoganemaru) and the sole surviving Ryukyu investiture crown.[9]
- Zenrin-ji - gilt bronze lotus-shaped gong, Tang Dynasty
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.
References
- Gallery labels and explanatory plaques at various sites.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Loo, Tze M. “Shuri Castle’s Other History: Architecture and Empire in Okinawa.” The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus 41 (12 Oct 2009).
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Designated in 2009. Kokuhô no bi 50, Asahi Shinbun shuppan (2010), 22-23.
- ↑ Designated in 2001. Kokuhô no bi 50, Asahi Shinbun shuppan (2010), 14-21.
- ↑ 所蔵資料紹介：貴重書, Historiographical Institute, University of Tokyo.
- ↑ Exhibition checklist, "Chinese Paintings from Japanese Collections," LACMA, May 10 2014.
- ↑ Albert M. Craig, The Heritage of Japanese Civilization, Second Edition, Prentice Hall (2011), 57.
- ↑ You can see all the objects on the museum's Digital Museum page.
