Measures of volume and the use of de facto measure standards in the Kinai area during the medieval period of Japan

Abstract

This paper aims to examine measures of volume or capacity and the use of de facto measure standards in the Kinai area around Kyoto during the medieval period of Japan. The problem of the measurement of volume is essential in assessing agricultural yield potential, land system, trading conditions, and transportation capacity, and yet its importance is not fully understood. By studying de facto measure standards, we are able to better comprehend the process of unification of the national economy. Medieval measures are based on those originated in ancient times and were usually double in volume. Moreover, measures of 1.1 or 1.2 times each ancient measure (or more) made up various local measuring systems. And there were other measuring systems based on specific measures. In the Kamakura period (1185-1333), a de facto standard was selected from a measure used by manor lords. Later, as the manor rice supply decreased in the market, a selling measure, which was equivalent to the load carried by a horse, became popular in Kinai. Parallel to the increased use of the horse-load measure, a measure used in the Kyoto market also became widespread. To conclude, it became clear that de facto measure standards changed according to factors influencing each historical era.