Wooden and Lacquer Works: Arms and armor
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Arrow with Kabura (Sound-making Device), Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)
The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures Room 4
June 24, 2020 (Wed) - August 10, 2020 (Mon)Wooden and lacquered objects include various examples of Buddhist ritual implements, furnishings, musical instruments, stationery, measuring tools, and arms & armor, which range in date from the 7th to the 17th century. Among these are notable pieces from the 8th century like the Bamboo Cabinet, which was donated by the famous Hōryūji priest Gyōshin, and a sutra box decorated with marquetry that shows the beautiful grain patterns of its jinkō wood. The Seven-stringed Zither is also valuable for its ink inscription, which tells us it was produced in China’s Sichuan Province in 724. The inscriptions on the pieces of incense wood in this collection also have revealed important facts about the involvement of Persians in the trade of such wood. Through these works one can not only see the culture of Japanese decorative art but can also get a sense of the cultural exchanges that occurred within East Asia centuries ago.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Important Cultural Property | Bow | Nara period, 8th century | N-133 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Arrow with Kabura (Sound-making Device) | Nara period, 8th century | N-134 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Quiver, With painted decoration | Nara period, 8th century | N-137 |