Annual ShÅsÅin Exhibition
Japan, Nara, Nara National Museum, ShÅsÅin, TÅdai-ji
saddle of oak and mulberry covered with deerskin
The ShÅsÅin treasure house is part of the Great Eastern Temple (TÅdai-ji) complex at Nara, the Imperial capital of Japan from 710-794 A.D. The treasure house came into as the result of the donation of some 600 precious objects to the TÅdai-ji Temple by the Empress KÅmyÅ in 756 A.D. in memory of her recently deceased husband the retired Emperor ShÅmu.
Over the centuries, further donations were made, and today the ShÅsÅin contains 9000 objects.
The public is not admitted to the treasure house, but an annual exhibition takes place at the Nara National Museum. This year’s exhibition will be held October 24 — November 12, and some of the items to be displayed have already been announced.
