Japan: 7th century sales records discovered recycled as banner supports

[Alessandra Kelley]

http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201607230023.html

Eight ancient strips of wood adorned with kanji characters were found among treasures dedicated to the imperial family by Horyuji temple in Nara Prefecture in 1878.

...

Having served their purpose as a record of transactions, the pieces of wood were apparently reused at Buddhist rituals as frames for banners.

“It is miraculous that wooden strips from the seventh century have survived all this time, especially as they were reused and not buried in the ground,” said Haruyuki Tono, a professor of ancient Japanese history at Nara University.

 

[Kerosene]

I somehow don't find it as interesting as I should when you consider Horyuji temple is one of the oldest wooden structures in the world with all kinds of priceless treasures and relics. That's what makes it one of the UNESCO world heritage sites. That kind lends to the idea of reusing items and keeping them maintained.

 

[SBibb]

Hadn't thought about them doing that, but that is a neat way to find bits of history (or extra bits that weren't expected).

 

[Noizchild]

I just had to stop by because I love all things Japanese.