National Treasure (Japan)

National Treasure (Japan)
source
Name	National Treasure
Country	Japan
Established	5 June 1897 (as "National Treasure" under the Ancient Temples and Shrines Preservation Law)
Governing body	Agency for Cultural Affairs
Related	Important Cultural Property, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

National Treasure (Japan). In Japan, a National Treasure is the most precious Tangible Cultural Property designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. The designation, administered by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, covers items of supreme historical, artistic, or academic value, such as castles, temples, shrines, paintings, sculptures, and crafts. The system originated with the Ancient Temples and Shrines Preservation Law of 1897 and was formalized by the comprehensive 1950 law, creating a legal framework for preserving Japan's material cultural heritage. These treasures are considered invaluable assets for understanding Japanese history and are rigorously protected and conserved.

Definition and Legal Designation

A National Treasure is legally defined as a Tangible cultural property of "outstanding universal value from a global perspective" under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. This supreme classification sits above the category of Important Cultural Property, with all National Treasures first being designated as Important Cultural Properties. The legal authority for designation rests with the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, based on recommendations from the Council for Cultural Affairs. The law strictly regulates alterations, exports, and ownership transfers of these items, mandating that any conservation work or public display must receive prior permission from the national government. This legal framework ensures these properties are preserved as the patrimony of the Japanese people.

Categories of National Treasures

National Treasures are categorized into distinct types of structures and arts and crafts. For structures, this includes buildings such as castles, temple buildings like the Hōryū-ji Pagoda, shrine edifices such as those at Izumo-taisha, and residential dwellings. The arts and crafts category is further subdivided into: paintings, which include works like the Heiji Scroll; sculptures, encompassing Buddhist statues from periods like the Nara period; calligraphy and classical texts, such as fragments from the Man'yōshū; archaeological materials and historical documents; crafts, including swords by masters like Masamune and ceramics; and ancient textiles. Each category represents the pinnacle of achievement in its respective field.

History and Cultural Significance

The concept of protecting cultural assets began in the Meiji period, with the 1897 Ancient Temples and Shrines Preservation Law which first used the term "National Treasure" for items associated with designated temples and shrines. This was expanded by the 1929 National Treasures Preservation Law. The modern system was established by the 1950 Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, enacted in the wake of the loss of heritage during World War II. These treasures are vital for understanding key periods like the Asuka period, Heian period, and Kamakura period, illustrating the development of Japanese Buddhism, Shinto, and secular arts. They serve as direct physical links to historical figures, from the priests of Mount Kōya to the shoguns of the Edo period.

Designation Process and Criteria

The designation process is initiated by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, which conducts surveys and research. Potential items, often already registered as Important Cultural Properties, are evaluated by experts on the Council for Cultural Affairs. The criteria require the property to be of "outstanding universal value," demonstrating a high degree of artistry, rarity, historical importance, or academic worth for studies in fields like Japanese archaeology or art history. Factors considered include the item's role in cultural exchange, such as influence from Tang China or the Korean Peninsula, its association with major historical events like the Genpei War, or its representation of a unique technical skill. The final designation is made by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

Notable Examples

Among structures, famous National Treasures include Himeji Castle in Hyōgo Prefecture, the Phoenix Hall at Byōdō-in in Uji, and the main hall of Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture. In arts and crafts, renowned items are the 12th-century illustrated scrolls of the Tale of Genji, the 8th-century dry-lacquer statues of Ashura at Kōfuku-ji in Nara, the Heike Sutras dedicated to Itsukushima Shrine, and the katana known as "Kogitsunemaru" attributed to Sanjō Munechika. Archaeological examples include artifacts from the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group and gold seals from the Han dynasty.

Conservation and Management

Owners of National Treasures, which can be the national government, local prefectures, religious bodies like temples including Tōdai-ji, or private individuals, are responsible for their daily care and must report any damage or change in condition. Major conservation and restoration projects, such as those undertaken at Hōryū-ji or Nijō Castle, are funded by the national government and require approval from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Techniques used often involve traditional craftsmanship to maintain historical integrity. Public access is encouraged, with many treasures displayed in museums like the Tokyo National Museum or the Kyoto National Museum, and their images and data are widely disseminated for educational purposes.

Category:National Treasures of Japan Category:Cultural heritage of Japan Category:Japanese art