Omi Province, Suzumura Village Sake Voucher – 1 Sho Sake Voucher,Bunsei to Tempo Era (1818–1840s)

This sake voucher from Suzumura Village in the Omi Province (modern-day Shiga Prefecture) was issued during the Bunsei to Tempo Era (1818–1840s). The note represents a value of 1 sho of sake and was used within the local economy, acting as a form of village-issued currency for sake trade. Sake vouchers like this were common in rural areas of Japan during the late Edo period, prior to the introduction of more centralized currency systems in the Meiji era. The note is in average condition and serves as an example of the localized currency used during the time.

This piece provides insight into the Bunsei to Tempo era and the economic practices that were prevalent in Japan’s rural areas, particularly in relation to everyday goods like sake, which were used as part of local commerce.