JAPAN

Banknote

hansatsu

Yamatonokuni

"Shiba-mura Domain Note"

Silver 1 Momme

(1745)

FRONT

・銀壹匁（Silver 1 Momme）

・延享弐年丙寅（Enkyō 2, 1745）

・五月吉祥日（An auspicious day in May, issued in May）

BACK

・和州芝村（Washū Shiba-mura）

・札所（Issuing office for domain notes）

・龍見四郎右衛門（Tatsumi Shirōemon, guarantor of this note）

・酒屋宗八郎（Sakaya Sōhachirō, guarantor of this note）

・的場長兵衛（Matoba Chōbei, guarantor of this note）

・To prevent counterfeiting, the bills were covered with intricate illustrations and patterns that were difficult to reproduce.

・Several finely crafted seals were stamped on the note as an additional measure against counterfeiting.

・During the Edo period, Nara developed into a center of commerce. In particular, industries such as Nara-zarashi (a type of bleached hemp cloth), sake brewing, ink production, armor making, and ittōbori (single-knife wood carving) flourished, attracting numerous wholesalers and craftsmen. In addition, large numbers of pilgrims visited temples and shrines such as Kasuga Taisha and Tōdai-ji, keeping inns and teahouses bustling. As a result, Nara grew into a city where commerce and culture were closely intertwined.

・Although this bill was essentially a simple village note, it appears to have been one of the most widely used of its kind, and could be accepted not only in Nara but also as far away as Osaka and even Edo.

・At the bottom of the note, a strange four-legged creature with multiple horns on its head and back is depicted. This is the Hakutaku, a mythical beast from Chinese legend. It is said to have six horns and nine eyes, to understand human speech, to appear during the reign of wise rulers, and to possess the power to ward off disease.

🌸 Reasons Why Commerce Flourished in the Nara Region During the Edo Period 🌸

・1. Strategic Location for Transportation

• Nara had developed since ancient times as the former capital (Heijō-kyō) and was a key point of transportation between Kyoto and Osaka.

• Roads connecting Nara to Kyoto and Osaka (such as the Kyōkaidō and Nara Kaidō) facilitated active trade and movement of goods.

• In addition, rivers around Nara, such as the Yamato River, allowed for relatively easy transportation of goods by water.

2. Economic Role of Temples and Shrines

• Nara was home to large temples and shrines, including Tōdai-ji and Kōfuku-ji, which were not only religious institutions but also major economic entities.

• These temples controlled estates and lands, using the revenue to distribute goods, operate money-lending businesses, or sell souvenirs and other products, stimulating local commerce.

3. Regional Resources and Specialty Products

• Nara produced various specialty goods, including paper (Nara-zome), textiles (Nara-zome fabric), lacquerware, pottery, and deer leather products.

• These products were distributed to urban centers and other regions, contributing to the prosperity of commerce in Nara.

4. Post Towns and Markets

• Post towns were established along roads around Nara, serving as hubs where travelers and merchants gathered, encouraging commercial activity.

• Regular markets and monthly fairs were held, where agricultural products, daily necessities, and specialty goods were bought and sold.

5. Urbanization and Population

• Nara had a relatively concentrated population, providing a stable consumer base for merchants.

• The presence of an urban population—including temple officials, craftsmen, merchants, and travelers—further supported the growth of commerce.

________________________________________

International shipping

We use the Japan post Service (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays)

 

Takes 25-45 days (Mail with tracking number & insurance)

 

Payment policy  

Please make a payment within 3 days, otherwise automatically unpaid case will be opened

As always, the banknote pictured is the banknote you will receive

 

We do our best to describe the banknote up for bid in our amateur opinion

 

Please look at the pictures and grade for yourself

We have not cleaned or altered coins & banknotes