Previous   Next
Home » Images » 0034 Pictures From History » CPA0016504

Japan: A spherical silver incense burner, Shosoin Treasury, 8th century CE

Japan: A spherical silver incense burner, Shosoin Treasury, 8th century CE

The Shōsō-in (正倉院) is the treasure house that belongs to Tōdai-ji, Nara. The Shōsō-in houses artifacts connected to Emperor Shōmu (701–756) and Empress Kōmyō (701–760), as well as arts and crafts of the Tempyō period of Japanese history.

After the Meiji Restoration, the Shōsō-in came under the administration of the national government, and since World War II has been under the administration of the Imperial Household Agency. It is on the UNESCO register of World Heritage Sites as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara. It is also a national treasure of Japan.

Quick links to other images in this gallery: