National Treasures of Japan

Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 122. Chapters: Cultural Properties of Japan, Himeji Castle, Horyu-ji, Kamo Shrine, Shin-Yakushi-ji, Todai-ji, Choju-jinbutsu-giga, Seven-Branched Sword, Izumo-taisha, Mii-dera, Monuments of Japan, Sesshu Toyo, Atsuta Shrine, Isonokami Shrine, Maruyama Okyo, Genji Monogatari Emaki, Nijo Castle, Zenko-ji, Itsukushima Shrine, Kamigamo Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera, Sumiyoshi Taisha, Matsumoto Castle, Usa Shrine, Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan, Kozan-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Tofuku-ji, Kasuga-taisha, Kotoku-in, Hase-dera, Shofuku-ji, Kofuku-ji, Engaku-ji, Honami Koetsu, Hasegawa Tohaku, Inuyama Castle, Kitano Tenman-gu, Nikko Tosho-gu, Byodo-in, Nanzen-ji, Chion-in, Akasaka Palace, Ike no Taiga, Daigo-ji, Shosoin, Daitoku-ji, Ninna-ji, To-ji, Enryaku-ji, Shizutani School, Munakata Taisha, Hokki-ji, Nigatsu-do, Osaki Hachiman-gu, Toyokuni Shrine, Oura Church, Tensho Shubun, Gango-ji, Jodo-ji, Yosa Buson, Takamatsuzuka Tomb, Negoro-ji, Shin'yaku Kegonkyo Ongi Shiki, Hikone Castle, Chuson-ji, Zentsu-ji, Kano Eitoku, Dazaifu Tenman-gu, Muro-ji, Jogu Shotoku Hoo Teisetsu, Ishinpo, Suda Hachiman Shrine Mirror, Katori Shrine, Toshodai-ji, Zuigan-ji, Muqi Fachang, Motoyama-ji, Inariyama Sword, Kimpusen-ji, Kongobu-ji, Rinno-ji, Nishi Honganji, Ichijo-ji, Taisan-ji, Nishina Shinmei Shrine, Choho-ji, Hiyoshi Taisha, Eiho-ji, Hell Scroll, Mount Haguro, Ogata Korin, Eta Funayama Sword, Uragami Gyokudo, Sofuku-ji, Myoo-in, Tawaraya Sotatsu, Kakurin-ji, Shigisan-engi, Ishiyama-dera, Choko-ji, Taima-dera, Taima Mandala, Ujigami Shrine, Daisen-in, Kano Masanobu, Kanshin-ji, Aoi Aso Shrine, Usuki Stone Buddhas, Uda Mikumari Shrine, Fujiwara Nobuzane, Fuki-ji, Kongo Jodaranikyo, Kujo Yoshitsune, Kusumi Morikage, Otenta, Hell of Excrement, Hell of the Flaming Rooster. Excerpt: National Treasures (¿¿: kokuho) are the most precious of Japan's Tangible Cultural Properties, as determined and designated by the Agency for Cultural Affairs (a subsidiary of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology). A Tangible Cultural Property is considered to be of historic or artistic value, classified either as "buildings and structures", or as "fine arts and crafts". Each National Treasure must show outstanding workmanship, a high value for world cultural history, or exceptional value for scholarship. Approximately 20% of the National Treasures are structures such as castles, Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, or residences. The other 80% are paintings, scrolls, sutras, works of calligraphy, sculptures of wood, bronze, lacquer or stone, crafts such as pottery and lacquerware carvings, metalworks, swords and textiles, and archaeological and historical artefacts. The items span the period of ancient to early modern Japan before the Meiji period, including pieces of the world's oldest pottery from the Jomon period, to 19th-century documents and writings. The designation of the Akasaka Palace in 2009 added a 20th-century National Treasure. Japan has a comprehensive network of legislation for protecting, preserving, and classifying its cultural patrimony. The regard for physical and intangible properties and their protection is typical of Japanese preservation and restoration practices. Methods of protecting designated National Treasures include restrictions on alterations, transfer, and export, and financial support in the form of grants and tax reduction. The Agency for Cultural Affairs provides owners with advice on restoration, administrat...