Itsukushima Shrine: Treasure Hall
The Itsukushima Shrine Treasure Hall houses and displays artworks, handicrafts, swords and other martial equipment, costumes and masks, and other valuable items acquired by the shrine throughout its history. The vast majority of these objects were given by prominent and/or influential donors to demonstrate their faith, increase the efficacy of their prayers, or to express their gratitude to a deity. Itsukushima Shrine was popular among the ruling elite from the Heian period (794–1185) onward and the list of donors includes emperors, high-ranking aristocrats, and powerful warlords. Some of their contributions, including the ornate Heike Nokyo set of sutra scrolls from 1164, are now designated National Treasures. The building itself is a designated Tangible Cultural Property that dates back to 1933. Built in a style that evokes traditional Japanese architecture, the reinforced-concrete structure was designed by the architect Oe Shintaro (1879–1935).