The Supreme Imperial Collection: The Shosoin Treasures and the Birth of Japan

The Shosoin treasures were created by leading artisans 1,300 years ago. Historians long believed these treasures were brought to Japan along the Silk Road from countries as distant as Persia or ancient China. But research now shows that we need to revise our ideas about the origin of many of them. Behind these treasures lay Emperor Shomu's bold strategy of using them in his plans to reform Japan. We take a look at how these exquisite objects played a vital role in the formation of the country.