Hansatsu
(1661`)
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| Echizen Fukuihan Ginsatsu (1666) |
Tosa Kochihan Kinsatsu (1866) |
Musashi Okabehan Sensatsu (1857) |
Harima Himejihan Surumesatsu (1855) |
| The paper currency issued by feudal lords after Kambun era (1661-73) of Edo Period in order to cover their financial deficits and to alleviate the shortage of money. They were named "hansatsu" (feudal notes). From the left, "gin-satsu"(silver notes), "kin-satsu"(gold notes), "sen-satsu"(copper notes), and "surume-satsu"(notes for gifts). The one on the left was issued in Kambun 1(1661) by Echizen Fukui han (Fukui feudal clan) now in Fukui prefecture. It is regarded as the oldest of those still in existence. Hansatsu were issued convertible into coins issued by the Tokugawa Shogunate government. Hansatsu were classified into the three types, "kin satsu", "gin satsu" and "sen satsu", presented above, according to their unit of account, and "gin satsu" were issued the most. Converting hansatsu into species of gold, silver, or copper coins was, in most cases, strictly restricted, except when taking them out of the territory. Issuing of hansatsu was temporarily banned from Hoei 4 (1707) to Kyoho 15 (1730), but allowed again and continued until the end of Edo Period. Some hansatsu were issued for special purposes, such as the "surume satsu", on the right above. The Himeji feudal clan issued "surume satsu" for happy events and "kombu satsu" for mourning, and encouraged the use of them in both cases in lieu of silver coins. Surume and Kombu are a dried squid and seaweed respectively and were sometimes used as gifts. |
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