🎎 Antique Edo-Era Japanese Ledger Book - Washi Paper Account Record

🎎 This remarkable ledger book from the late Edo period (1603–1868) is a rare surviving piece of Japan’s feudal past. Crafted with hand-bound, organic materials and inked with sumi brushwork, this ledger was likely used for business transactions, tax records, or donation logs. The book is constructed from traditional washi paper, made from mulberry fibers, a staple of Japanese papercraft, known for its durability and texture.

The entries within are written in kuzushiji (崩し字), a cursive form of kanji script that was widely used during the Edo period for official documentation. While the cursive form may appear elaborate, it can be challenging for modern readers due to its flowing nature, but it is a beautiful representation of historical Japanese calligraphy.

Key Features of the Ledger:

• Era: Edo period (1603-1868), a time of cultural flourishing and a booming merchant economy.

• Material: Handmade washi paper and bound with natural twine, showcasing traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

• Condition: The ledger is in well-worn condition, with some edge wear and slight warping from age, lending it an authentic patina that reflects its long history.

• Entries: Handwritten business, tax, or donation records. Given the period, this ledger may contain mentions of goods, services, or financial records—elements central to commerce in an era when Japan was transitioning from a primarily agrarian society to one with burgeoning commerce.

This ledger also highlights Japan’s meticulous record-keeping, which was essential in an era before digital systems. During the Edo period, Japan had a highly organized society, with the samurai class overseeing everything from military matters to taxes. The merchant class, including traders and shopkeepers, would have relied on these ledgers to record business transactions and debts. The entries may even reveal details of trade practices or regional transactions between merchants in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and other regions of Japan.

Artistic Value:
The ledger’s elegant kuzushiji calligraphy is a form of art in itself, showcasing the beauty of the Japanese writing system in its most expressive form. The book’s condition—slightly faded ink, aged paper—adds to its charm and historical value, making it not just a functional object but a work of art that connects us to a bygone era.

Dimensions & Condition:

• Size: Approximately 14.5 cm wide, 9 cm tall, and 2 cm thick.

• Weight: Approximately 120 grams.

• Condition: Minor warping and edge wear, as expected of a centuries-old object. The top spine is frayed, revealing the delicate stitching that holds the book together.

This ledger represents more than just a record of the past—it is a tactile connection to a world of merchants, samurai, and everyday citizens, and the everyday transactions that fueled one of the most influential periods in Japanese history.

Welcome to the Japan Antique Roadshow channel. My name is Kurt Bell, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen to explore Japan’s rich history with me. You can reach out to me through my various social media platforms, and I look forward to engaging with you online!

Curated with care in Shizuoka City, this ledger offers an intimate glimpse into Japan's heritage. The unique craftsmanship and detailed entries reflect not just a business transaction, but a living memory of life during the Edo period.

Embark on a journey with Kurt, an American journeyman born in 1964, as he unpacks the stories and wisdom embedded in Japan’s cultural artifacts. Each item in the collection is a stepping stone into the world of The Good Life, guided by Stoic philosophy.

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