A Glimpse into Tang Dynasty Through the Treasures of Shosoin: LiangJiyong Reviews Tang Stories from the Shosoin
Nara,Japan – Renowned Chinese literary critic and scholar Liang Jiyong has praised Tang Stories from the Shosoin, a new book by Yang Zhi-shui, aresearcher at the Institute of Literature of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The book, published by Shanghai Book & Painting Publishing House, delves into the rich history and culturalsignificance of the Shosoin, a treasure trove of Tang Dynasty artifacts located in Nara, Japan.
Liang, known for his insightful analyses of Chinese literature and history, describes Yang’s writing as exquisitely crafted and balanced,comparing it to the meticulously preserved artifacts housed within the Shosoin itself. He believes the book stands out among contemporary works on ancient relics, offering a unique and valuable perspective on the Tang Dynasty.
The Shosoin, a repository ofover 9,000 artifacts, was established in the mid-8th century by Empress Kōmyō, the wife of Emperor Shōmu, as a testament to her late husband’s reign. The collection, which includes everything from musical instruments and furniture to clothing and documents, provides an unparalleled window into thelife and culture of the Tang Dynasty, a period of unprecedented prosperity and cultural flourishing in China.
China is a treasure trove of relics, writes Liang, highlighting the abundance of artifacts from various historical periods, particularly the Tang Dynasty. However, he points out that for a long time, the international academic community relied heavily onthe Shosoin collection to understand the Tang Dynasty. This was due to two main factors: China’s isolation from the world for decades, limiting access to its own cultural heritage, and the exceptional preservation of the Shosoin artifacts, untouched by war or plunder.
The Shosoin’s collection, meticulouslypreserved for over a millennium, offers a unique advantage over Chinese archaeological finds. Not only are the artifacts themselves in remarkable condition, but the meticulous records kept by the Imperial family and the Buddhist temple that manage the Shosoin provide invaluable insights into their origins and uses. These records, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, offera level of detail rarely found in Chinese archaeological discoveries.
Liang recounts his first visit to Nara, where he was captivated by the Shosoin’s architectural grandeur. The massive wooden structure, raised on stilts, houses three sections: the North and Middle Storerooms, containing the Imperial treasures, and the South Storeroom,dedicated to the temple’s documents.
The Shosoin’s meticulously preserved records, including detailed inventories of the artifacts, offer a unique perspective on the Tang Dynasty’s cultural practices and preferences. These records, according to Liang, elevate the Shosoin collection beyond mere artifacts, providing a tangible link to the TangDynasty’s cultural landscape.
Tang Stories from the Shosoin offers a compelling exploration of these treasures, highlighting their historical significance and cultural context. Yang’s writing, described by Liang as a white eyebrow among contemporary works on ancient relics, provides a fresh and insightful perspective on the Tang Dynasty,drawing on the rich tapestry of artifacts and records housed within the Shosoin.
The book, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Tang Dynasty, promises to be a valuable resource for scholars, historians, and anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of China and Japan.
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