Hokan shu, Volume 2 (detail), Heian-Nanbokucho period, 12th-14th century (National Treasure, Lent by Kongobuji, Wakayama)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 2
October 30, 2018 (Tue) - November 25, 2018 (Sun)
Literally meaning "a compilation of treasured documents," Hokan shu is a collection of historical documents that were passed down at Kongobuji temple on Mount Koya, a sacred site for Shingon Buddhism. These documents date between the Heian and the Edo periods, from the end of the 8th to the mid–19th century, and the entire compilation comprises 272 volumes with a total of 3,502 documents. The contents of Hokan shu can be roughly divided into three categories: the workings and organization of the Shingon sect at the time, religious rituals, and the formation of temple estates. Volume 2, on display here, contains 19 documents issued to the temple by the shogunate and the imperial court.
Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
Highlight | National Treasure | Hokan shu, Volume 2 | Heian-Nanbokucho period, 12th-14th century | Lent by Kongobuji, Wakayama |