Customs of the Common People in the Edo and Meiji Periods (3): Oblong Wooden Braziers with Drawers, Bargain Shops, Ushi-no-koku-mairi, and Lighting Devices Supplementary Discussion: Customs of the Common People in the Edo and Meiji Periods (Con’t) Addendum

DOI IR Open Access

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • 江戸・明治時代の庶民風俗(3) ―長火鉢・安売屋・丑の刻参り・照明具― 付論・江戸・明治時代の庶民民族(続)補遺

Search this article

Description

In continuation of the preceding study, the present study provides an additional investigation of four elements drawn from the customs of the common people during the Edo (1603- 1868) and Meiji (1868- 1912) periods: oblong wooden braziers with drawers, bargain shops, ushi-no-koku-mairi (visiting a shrine at 2 am for the purpose of placing a curse on someone), and lighting devices. Oblong wooden braziers with drawers appeared earlier than the previously indicated Kansei era (1789- 1801). The view that the typical type of this item did not even go as far back as the end of the Edo period has not become mainstream. A description of the history of bargain shops is provided using illustrations and reference materials indicating that they first appeared in the city of Edo, later moved to Kyoto, and then returned to Edo, as argued by Asakura Musei. This custom continued into the Meiji era and indeed can be identified as the origin of the present-day 100-yen shop. While ushi-no-koku-mairi is a well-known custom, explanations of it have been slow in coming. Here, illustrations are utilised to provide historical context for a description of the process through which the custom underwent changes as it was repeatedly influenced by the mannerisms of authentic magic practitioners. In terms of lighting devices, particular focus is placed on the hachi-ken (also known as “happo”; square- or octagonal- shaped lighting fixtures often suspended from the ceiling) and glass candle holders. Hachi-ken were developed by the Edo period, while glass candle holders became widely available in the 19th century. It is further argued that these two items continued to be used in the Meiji era, although the lighting these Edo-period devices provided was insufficient, leading to their rapid alteration during the Meiji era.

Journal

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top