The Collection of Books and Their Use by a Late Edo Period Merchant Family : A Case Study of the Uchiike Family the Province of Mutsu

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  • 近世後期商家の蔵書形成と活用 : 陸奥国内池家の事例より
  • キンセイ コウキ ショウカ ノ ゾウショ ケイセイ ト カツヨウ ムツノクニ ウチイケケ ノ ジレイ ヨリ

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Abstract

This article examines the dissemination of knowledge and culture at provincial level by focusing on the book collection of a late Edo period merchant family. This article analyzes this issue through two factors, namely the family's financial background and the use their book collection served. The following three points are the significant features uncovered in this study of the Uchiike family the Province of Mutsu, whose book collection accumulated largely through the efforts of the eighth generation Ujiike family head, Nagatoshi (1763-1848). 1. After retiring, Nagatoshi studied with Motoori Ohira, providing Nagatoshi with the opportunity to acquire books concerning the study of classical Japanese literature. He later organized the Michinoku study circle for the study of classical literature and tanka poetry in Senoue Village, where he resided. 2. The wealthy circumstances of the Ujiike family allowed for Nagatoshi's study and book collecting. Nagatoshi lived off of 20 ryo annual allowance provided by the family. His average yearly book purchases totaled 5 ryo. Comparing the average income of families in Mutsu Province, this was a large sum. The acquisition of books was a wealthy man's pursuit. 3. Nagatoshi gave the members of the Michinoku study circle the opportunity to borrow from his collection for their own study of classical Japanese literature and tanka poetry, providing a base of knowledge for the study circle as a whole.

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