Woodwork, Lacquerware, Incense Woods, and Measuring Instruments
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Footed Chest (Karabitsu) with Phoenix Roundels
Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures Room 4
August 4, 2026 (Tue) - October 25, 2026 (Sun)Wooden and lacquered objects include examples of Buddhist ritual implements, furnishings, musical instruments, stationery, measuring tools, and arms & armor, which range in date from the 7th to 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 Persia’s involvement 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 | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Footed Chest (Karabitsu) with Phoenix Roundels | Heian period, 12th century | N-88 | |||
| Important Cultural Property | Cubic Marbles (Ishinatori-dama) | Nara period, 8th century | N-117 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Box with Flowering Plants, Butterflies, and Birds | Nara period, 8th century | N-301-1 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Needle Cases with Ivory Carvings | Nara period, 8th century | N-96 |