Shosoin/Origin

The Shōsō-in (正倉院) is the treasure house that belongs to Tōdai-ji, Nara The building is in the azekura log-cabin style, with a raised floor. It lies to the northwest of the Daibutsuden (which houses the Great Buddha). The Shōsō-in houses artifacts connected to Emperor Shōmu (701–756) and Empress Kōmyō (701–760), as well as arts and crafts of the Tempyō period of Japanese history.

The origin of Tōdai-ji Shōsō-in dates back to 756, when Empress Kōmyō dedicated over 600 items to the Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji to express her love for her lost husband, Emperor Shōmu. Her donation was made over five times across several years, then stored at Shōsō-in.

Shōsōin today holds around 9,000 items, leaving out items that are yet to be classified. While many of the collection are of remainders from the 8th century and are of domestic production, either art or documents, there are also variety of items originating from Tang China. Other material comes from as far as India, Iran, Greece, Rome and Egypt.

(Sauce: Wikipedia)