This item, called a shoki in Japanese, is a kindof reading stand. The central column stands on a turnip-shaped base and the scroll holder is set atop it. The scroll to be read is placed on the holder and then read as it is unrolled. Made fromred sandalwood (Jp. shitan), the stand has designs of flowers, grasses and birds that are painted ingold and silver ink. The original treasure is preservedin the southern section of the Shōsō-in. 
Object label