ko-ezu 古絵図

Old sketch maps of proprietary estates and temple precincts. The earliest examples are the maps preserved in the *Shōsōin 正倉院 Repository in Nara, which include, The Drawing of the Precinct of Tōdaiji, Tōdaiji Sankaishishi-zu 東大寺山堺四至図 (756), and The Drawing Depicting the Reclaimed Land of Tōdaiji, Tōdaiji Kaiden-zu 東大寺開田図 at Michimori 道守 Village in Echizen 越前 (modern Fukui Prefecture; 766). These ink drawings with light colors on hemp are often identified as the forerunners of realistic landscape painting. From the 13th century, maps of temples and shrines were frequently depicted by professional artists in color on paper or silk. They became an object of worship and can be appreciated as works of art.