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| As the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan was for much of the world the most beguiling country in the East, fabled throughout the ages for its traditions, wealth and stunning art. During much of its history, Japan was off-limits to foreigners which only added to its mystery and allure.
But goods and travellers from The Silk Road certainly made their way here and Buddhism was perhaps one of the most influential imports brought to Japan along the old trade route. The city of Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, is considered the cradle of Japanese culture and is abundant in Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Many valuable pieces from The Silk Road period are housed in Nara's Shosoin Treasure Repository of the Emperor.
With all these Silk Road connections, it is appropriate that Nara contains all the country's primary Silk Road sites and is also the home of the acclaimed Research Centre for Silk Roadology - for studies into the history and culture of the great commercial highway.
Established by the local government in 1989, the centre holds meetings on The Silk Road. It is also sponsoring excavations of the ancient trading city of Palmyra in Syria. |
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Shosoin Treasure Repository in Nara contains artwork from the 8th-century Nara period such as jewellery, glasswork, musical instruments, silverware, writing instruments and other artefacts related to The Silk Road. Todaiji Temple, located in Nara and constructed in the year 752 AD, is famed for its image of the Great Buddha, which is considered a national treasure by the Japanese and is the largest bronze statue in the world. The ancient capital city of Heijo (710 AD to 784 AD) was designed and laid out to resemble the renowned Chinese Silk Road city of Chag'an. The Heijoko Palace here has been restored. Toshodaiji Temple in Nara was founded by the Chinese Buddhist priest Chein Chen during his country's Tang Dynasty to introduce Ritsu doctrines to Japanese Buddhists. Nara's Horyuji Temple is one of the oldest existing temples in Japan and is the oldest wooden structure still standing in the world. Founded in the 7th century, it is said to be a primary source of Japanese art and culture. |
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