Record of Sutra-copying Paper

This record lists the various materials necessary in the making of ritual utensils used in Buddhist temples. On its obverse is a register of the paper used to copy sutras. At the top of this register are the names of the copyists. Below the names, the date, the number of sheets of paper distributed, the number of sheets used for copying, the number of unused, returned sheets, and the titles of the sutras that were copied are listed and signed by the official of the sutra copying hall. This invaluable historical document sheds light on the operations of the sutra copying halls as well as of studios that produced Buddhist images and ritual utensils during the Nara period (710-793).

— Museum description: Kyoto National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.