Extremely Rare Nara Period Sutra Text On Kakejiku At Auction

[Randy McCall]

For any of our members who may be interested, an extraordinarily rare Nara Perod (710 to 794) sutra text preserved as a kakejiku (hanging scroll) has been posted at auction. 

The Nara period text consists of a rectangular page with 9 lines of a sutra, attached to a scroll backing made of highest quality materials.  Date of the scroll material itself is not given.  Ascribed to the Todai-ji temple.

The item was posted on a few hours ago, yet as of the time of my writing this there are already 32 bids, with the present bid being 40,500¥.  

Condition:  Excellent, museum quality. Aged and some stains
Auction ending: September 9
Auction house:  Yahoo.jp
http://page18.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/w149725832

         

[Randy McCall]

Should anyone be considering bidding on this item:  While not noted as being on the Important Cultural Property list, I've been informed that shipping companies may refuse to ship this item outside Japan, for fear of running afoul of Japanese regulations. Be warned.