Department of State Affairs Custom Pass Division Passport (Shoshosho shimon kasho)

Ink on Paper / One Document

  • original
  • transcription

The only existing Tang Dynasty passport

With this passport, Enchin and his group safely arrived in Chang'an, where he studied and received esoteric Buddhist teachings from the high monk Faquan of Qinglong Temple, where Kukai (posthumously known as Kobo Daishi) also stayed, and then returned to Mount Tiantai in Jiangnan via Luoyang. This passport is also a valuable historical document that provides concrete details about Enchin's journey to seek the Dharma in Tang China. At the end of each passport, records of the checkpoints passed are noted, indicating that Enchin passed through Tong Pass on May 15 towards Chang'an, and on the return journey, passed the renowned checkpoint of Pu Guan guarding Chang'an on December 4.

Category
National Treasure
Era
November 15, 855
Measurements
30.7 × 62.2 cm