Japan's Oldest Dated Copy of the Shiji
The Shiki (Records of the Grand Historian), Kobun Honki Volume 10 (史記〈孝文本紀第十〉) is a handscroll copy of volume 10, the Annals of Emperor Wen, from the Shiji, the history of China written by Sima Qian of the Former Han, made by Oe no Ieguni in 1073 and held by Tohoku University in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture; it was designated a National Treasure on November 22, 1952.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as one scroll of calligraphy and classical texts, with a colophon stating that Oe no Ieguni copied and annotated it in the second month of 1073. According to Tohoku University, the scroll measures 28.5 centimetres high and 972.7 centimetres long, made of 16 sheets of paper each about 50 centimetres wide.
The Annals of Emperor Wen record the deeds of the fifth emperor of the Former Han. Tohoku University Library explains that the manuscript was part of a collection bought from the scholar Kano Kokichi in 1912.
Why It Is a National Treasure
According to Tohoku University, this is the oldest manuscript of the Shiji in Japan with a firm date. It was the authoritative copy handed down in the Oe family, hereditary scholars of history (kidendo) at the imperial university of the Heian period, and is basic evidence for their learning.
The text follows the Shiji Jijie commentary by Pei Yin of the Liu Song dynasty. Two other scrolls from the same set survive, volume 9, the Annals of Empress Lu, at the Mori Museum, and volume 11, the Annals of Emperor Jing, at the Gotoh Museum (Daitokyu Memorial Library), and both are also National Treasures, according to Tohoku University's Graduate School of Arts and Letters.
Its other value is as a source for the history of the Japanese language. To read Chinese as Japanese, scholars wrote readings between the lines and added marks called okototen; the scroll was annotated three more times after 1073. Tohoku University Library lists annotations and colophons dated 1101, 1196 and 1202. Because the marks preserve the words and letter forms of the time they were written, they are evidence for Heian-period Japanese.
What to Look For
One highlight is the red dots around the characters. The university's commentary explains that okototen indicate which particle to supply by the position of the dot: a red dot at the upper right of a character adds "wo", at the upper left "ni". Katakana notes also appear between the lines.
The other is the colophon at the end. Oe no Ieguni's note recording the copying and annotation in 1073 is what fixes the scroll's date. Across more than 9 metres of paper, the scroll holds layer upon layer of readings by scholars from the 11th to the 13th centuries.
Access and Viewing
Tohoku University Library says the original is kept under strict temperature and humidity control. No guidance on regular public display was found.
The university's digital archive collection database introduces its two National Treasures, this Shiji scroll and volume 25 of the Ruiju Kokushi. For image use or access to the original, follow the archive's guidance and contact the library.
Q&A
- When was the Shiki, Kobun Honki Volume 10 copied?
- Oe no Ieguni copied and annotated it in 1073, and further annotations were added in 1101 and later.
- When was it designated a National Treasure?
- On November 22, 1952.
- Why is this Shiji manuscript so important?
- It is the oldest dated manuscript of the Shiji in Japan and the authoritative copy of the Oe family of historians. Its reading marks are also evidence for Heian-period Japanese.
- Why is the Shiki, Kobun Honki Volume 10 at Tohoku University?
- According to Tohoku University Library, it came with a collection purchased from Kano Kokichi in 1912.
- Can I see the original Shiki, Kobun Honki Volume 10?
- The library keeps it under strict storage conditions, and no regular display was found. It is introduced in the university's digital archive.
Basic Information
| Name | Shiki (Records of the Grand Historian), Kobun Honki Volume 10 (史記〈孝文本紀第十〉) |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture (Tohoku University) |
| Designation | National Treasure (Fine Arts and Crafts: Calligraphy and Classical Texts) |
| Year Designated | National Treasure 1952/11/22 (Showa 27) |
| Quantity | 1 scroll |
| Dimensions | 28.5 centimetres high, 972.7 centimetres long (per Tohoku University) |
| Owner | Tohoku University |
| Public Access | Kept in strict storage at the university library; no regular display announced |
References
- 史記〈孝文本紀第十／〉 (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/647
- 史記〈孝文本紀第十／〉 (Cultural Heritage Online)
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/178272
- National Treasures: Shiji and Ruiju Kokushi (Tohoku University digital archive)
- https://touda.tohoku.ac.jp/collection/database/library/exhibition/20240325_natl_treas
- 司馬遷撰『史記』巻十 孝文本紀 (Tohoku University Graduate School of Arts and Letters, Digital Museum)
- https://www.sal.tohoku.ac.jp/digital_museum/02.html
Last verified: 2026.10.04