Wikipedia:Today's featured list/September 5, 2011
"Ancient documents" is a category of Japanese National Treasures that comprises documents from the Asuka period to the Meiji period, selected for especially high historical or artistic value. The documents consist of letters, diaries, records or catalogues, certificates, imperial decrees, testaments, and maps, housed in temples, museums, libraries, shrines, and private collections. They record early Japanese governance and Buddhism, including contact with China, the organization of the state, and life at the Japanese imperial court. The documents are significant examples of calligraphy. Lettering, in the form of inscribed artefacts, was brought to Japan from China c. 2000 years ago. From 5th-century Korea came classical Chinese books, probably written on paper. Soon after, scribes were appointed to the provinces to record events and report conditions. By the end of the 7th century, reading and writing became part of Japanese life, mostly because of the need for literate officials and the rise of Buddhism, which required the study of written sūtras. (Full list...)