During urban redevelopment in Nara, Japan, workers uncovered the foundation stones of a significant 8th-century Buddhist temple previously unknown to historical records. Archaeologists found a cache of gilded-silk votive offerings preserved within a lacquered box beneath the main altar, a rare find given the high humidity of the region.
The temple, which predates the final construction phases of Todai-ji, shows significant Silla-influence in its architectural layout and masonry techniques. The discovery of these silk fragments suggests that the temple was under direct Imperial patronage and served as a high-status site for court rituals and diplomatic ceremonies during the Nara Period.