National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties

The Agency for Cultural Affairs says that Japan designates important tangible cultural properties as Important Cultural Properties under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, and designates those with exceptional value from the perspective of world culture as National Treasures. Tangible cultural properties include buildings, paintings, sculpture, crafts, calligraphy, books, historical documents, archaeological materials and historical materials; tangible cultural properties other than buildings are grouped as fine and applied arts. When you see either term, read the level first, then return to the work's date, materials, artist field and display; the designation is not the whole description of the work.

After reading the designation, bring your eyes back to the work and its display conditions.