The articles associated with Emperor Shomu and Empress Komyo were kept in Hokuso; the articles used in the rituals of Todai-ji Temple, written documents and articles related to the Office of Todai-ji Temple Construction ("Zotodaiji shi" in Japanese) were kept in Chuso.
北倉にはおもに聖武天皇・光明皇后ゆかりの品が収められ、中倉には東大寺の儀式関係品、文書記録、造東大寺司関係品などが収められていた。