Buddhist Scriptures Buried in Sutra Mounds: Paper Sutras and Related Relics
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Certificate of Dedication of Sutras, Found at Nakanoshō Sutra Mound, Nara, Edo period, 1653
Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
September 29, 2020 (Tue) - March 21, 2021 (Sun)Most Buddhist scriptures that were buried in sutra mounds were written on paper. Those paper sutras were placed inside protective cases before being buried. However, organic substances like paper survive poorly in Japan’s soil conditions, even inside sutra cases. In most cases, only small fragments of paper sutras have been recovered.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Certificate of Dedication of Sutras; Kasuga Shrine, Yamato Province | Found at Nakanoshō Sutra Mound, Nara | Edo period, 1653 (Jō'ō 2) | E-14681-4-1 | On exhibit through November 23, 2020 | ||
| Highlight | Certificate of Dedication of Sutras; Shashinzan Ōtaki-ji Temple, Awa Province | Found at Nakanoshō Sutra Mound, Nara | Edo period, 1653 (Jō'ō 2) | E-14681-4-8 | On exhibit from November 25, 2020 through January 17, 2021 | ||
| Highlight | Certificate of Dedication of Sutras; Godaisan Konjiki-in Temple, Tosa Province | Found at Nakanoshō Sutra Mound, Nara | Edo period, 1654 (Jō'ō 3) | E-14681-4-9 | On exhibit from January 19, 2021 |