The Shoso-in Treasure
y Belt with Lapis Lazuli Ornaments z Present lenght 156.0cm, width 3.3cm
This cowhide belt is embellished with ornaments of lapis lazuli
attached to silver plates on the reverse of the belt with silver rivets.
The buckles are made of gilded silver. The lapis lazuli ornaments,
mottled with attractive patterns of blue and white, came from far-off Badakhshan, Afghanistan.
At the time, Badakhshan was famed for producing the finest lapis lazuli in the world.
This belt evidences the wide-raging trade routes of the day, which connected East and West.
To other treasures
Shoso-in Repository