About this video
- Video Title: 並木工芸概論02 正倉院（前半）
- Channel: 並木誠士
- Speakers: 並木誠士
- Duration: 00:22:38
Overview
This lecture provides an introduction to the Shosoin, a treasure house in Japan, focusing on its origins, the nature of its artifacts, and the characteristics of their patterns. It explains that the Shosoin was originally a collection of storehouses, but now refers specifically to the one at Todai-ji Temple. The lecture highlights that many of the treasures are imports from China and other Western regions, and discusses key design features such as symmetry, dense ornamentation, and the use of gold and silver. It begins to examine specific examples, starting with textiles.
Key takeaways
- The Shosoin: Originally a complex of storehouses, the term now refers to the specific treasure house at Todai-ji Temple.
- Artifact Origins: A significant portion of the Shosoin's treasures are imports from China and regions along the Silk Road, with some items being Japanese adaptations of these foreign designs.
- Key Pattern Characteristics: Designs found in the Shosoin often exhibit strong symmetry, dense ornamentation covering the entire surface (with little to no empty space), and the combined use of gold and silver.
- Textile Examples: The lecture introduces specific textile artifacts, such as the "Hanada" (flower field) cloth used for a bag, and the "Shishitsukai" (lion-tamer) patterned cloth, illustrating the characteristics mentioned.
- Historical Significance: The Shosoin's treasures offer a valuable glimpse into the culture, craftsmanship, and international exchange of the 8th and 9th centuries.
