Persian treasures on show in Japan`s 1st permanent capital

Tokyo, Oct 26, IRNA

Cut-glass bowls from Persia will be among many other ancient Iran's
precious objects to be open to public view in the Shosoin, the
imperial treasure repository of the great temple Todaiji in Nara,
Japan's first permanent capital, as of Saturday.

Among other Persian treasures to be on display in the 17-day show at
the old tripartite Shosoin building are potteries, metal utensils and
play instruments entered to ancient Japan from Persia by the way of
the Silk Road.

Cups of Indian rhinoceros horn, musical instruments made by artisans
of Tang China, inlaid with mother-of-pearl from the South Seas and
lapis lazuli from Turkey, boxes of persimmon and mulberry wood, crowns
of silver and gold, burlap bags and silk brocades, tables and chests
of drawers, tax records and population surveys are among other odd
exotic works to be on display in Shosoin.

That's the 60th time that Shosoin opens its gates to visitors to put
exotic works before public eyes.

Daily Yomiuri writes that showcasing of Persian historical objects in
the fair indicates the fact that Persia is still alive in Japan.

Yomiuri says the works, most of them dating back to Sassanid era, are
a token of high level of technology used in ancient Iran and of
Iranians' top creativity grade.

Once a year, for several weeks spanning the end of October and
beginning of November (Oct. 25 to Nov. 10 this year) when the crisp
autumn air is deemed most beneficent to its contents, the Shosoin
opens its doors to the public.

Formerly Pars Museum had formerly organized periodic and long-term
exhibitions in several big Japanese cities and the works on display
captivated the Japanese visitors.


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