Ranjatai
| Ranjatai | |
|---|---|
| 蘭奢待 | |
| Type | Incense |
| Material | Agarwood |
| Length | 156 centimetres (61 in) |
| Width | 42 centimetres (17 in) |
| Weight | 11,600 grams (25.6 lb) |
| Created | between 772 and 885 |
| Period/culture | Nara period |
| Present location | Shosoin |
| Identification | 中倉135 |
The Ranjatai (Japanese: 蘭奢待) is a log of fragrant agarwood currently placed in the Shōsōin repository in the Tōdai-ji. The wood was first imported into Japan during the Nara period in the 8th century. It is considered a famous piece of incense wood due to its proximity and circumstance of the spread of Japanese Buddhism. It is claimed to have been placed in the repository by Empress Kōmyō in memory of Emperor Shōmu.
It currently remains under the ownership of the Shōsōin under the Imperial Household Agency and is displayed occasionally at the Nara National Museum as part of the repository's annual exhibit. It is catalogued as 中倉135 (Middle Section 135) in the warehouse.