Manuscript on paper, entitled on label on upper cover “Ginzan Kashitsuke kiroku” [“Loan Records of...
8vo (235 x 168 mm.), orig. blue semi-stiff wrappers, modern stitching. [Japan]: 1853-54.
Silver was mined at the Ikuno Ginzan (Ikuno Silver Mine) from the 9th century until 1973 and was an important source of income for the central government. Lead, copper, zinc, and gold were extracted along with silver. There were a number entrances to the mine, and more than 20,000 local residents were in some way involved in the mining industry.
In the 19th century, the mines were running deficits as they were not producing enough silver. This is a fascinating official record maintained by Chudayu (or Chiwaki)... More