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

Abstract

前稿に引き続いて，江戸・明治時代の庶民風俗に関する事柄の中から，長火鉢・安売屋・丑の刻参り・照明具の4 つを取り上げて，検討を加えた。 長火鉢は，従来言われていた寛政期よりも早く出現し，その典型的なスタイルのものは逆に極めて幕末に近い時期にならないと主流を占めるように至らないことを示した。 安売屋は朝倉無声氏の説の通り，江戸に生まれて上方に移り，更に江戸に還流した歴史があることを画像・文献を合わせて具体的に解説した。明治に入ってもその流れは途切れておらず，まさに現在の100円ショップの源流に当たるものであることを示した。 丑の刻参りについては有名な事柄でありながら解明が遅れていたが，画像資料を時代を追って考察することによって，呪術のプロによる本格的な作法の影響を繰り返し受けることなどによって次第に変容を遂げた過程があることを示した。 照明具については，特に八間(八方)とガラス燭台の二つを取り上げて，八間についてはその江戸期に於ける発展を，ガラス燭台については19世紀における普及を述べた。さらにそれらが明治時代につながってゆく流れを解説し，江戸時代の照明具が照明として極めて不十分なままに推移していたことが明治に至っての急速な変化の要因となっていたことを解説した。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.departmental bulletin pape