Mounting as a craft form - in other words, reinforcing calligraphy and paintings with paper or cloth to preserve them and enhance their beauty - is said to have been introduced to Japan from China during the Asuka period along with Buddhism, and Nara Prefecture was the first place in Japan where the technique was introduced. As the Shoin-zukuri style of architecture became mainstream during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, the tokonoma culture spread to hanging scrolls, folding screens, sliding doors, and more. In modern times, mounting techniques are also used in the restoration of books and ancient documents of historical value.