A piece of eaglewood and two pieces of white sandalwood inscribed in Sogdian letters used in the 8th century are kept in Horyui depository, Japan. Especially, these aromatic woods have handwritings with brush in Chinese. According to these items, it i...
A piece of eaglewood and two pieces of white sandalwood inscribed in Sogdian letters used in the 8th century are kept in Horyui depository, Japan. Especially, these aromatic woods have handwritings with brush in Chinese. According to these items, it is very clear that they were introduced from the continent and it is noticeable clue to uncover the process of their introduction through the relationship between Silla, Balhae and Tang at the time.
Therefore, this article addresses the question of the existing opinions on the spread course of aromatic woods of Horyuji and gives clear evidence as to the fact that it was imported to Japan in February, 733 based on the History of Horyuji and books of articles in its depository (法隆寺伽藍緣起幷流記資財帳). According to some evidences, it is assumed that envoys of Silla purchased this white sandalwood of Horyuji in Y?ngzh?u or Xi'an through the trade network of Sogdian in Tang in 730's and they offered it to empress as a present of respect, then, the empress dedicated it with other perfumery to Horyuji for her health recovery from the sickness by the providence of Buddha.