Shosoin at Todaiji Temple
Nara period, 8th century
(Nara Prefecture)

A large number of objects of which Emperor Shomu (701-756) had been especially fond during his lifetime were in 756 given to Todaiji Temple in Nara at the behest of his widow, the nonreigning"Empress" Komyo (701-760). Thus the Shosoin, which was the name given to the storehouse to keep these many objects, was originally administered by the Todaiji. Its floor is raised above ground-level by 40 thick piles, each 2.4 meters high. Another architectural feature designed to minimize dampness is the so-called azekura-zukuri construction of the north and south walls, which utilize triangular cross-section logs stacked horizontally, giving a smooth surface to the interior and a corrugated effect to the outside, while permitting the circulation of air on dry days when the logs slightly contract. The interior is divided into three sections, all opening to the east, by wooden partitions, and the roof is entirely covered with tiles. This imposing building, which is today under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Agency, is 33 meters long and 14 meters high.