Japan. - 4 Hansatsu 藩札 Late Edo to Bakumatsu (c.1800–1868) (No Reserve Price)

Set of 4 Original Edo–Bakumatsu Japanese Domain Notes (Hansatsu, 1800–1868)

A rare and historically important collection of four original Japanese hansatsu (domain-issued and village-issued paper money) from the late Edo to Bakumatsu period (circa 1800–1868), representing four different issuing authorities including daimyō domains and rural village credit systems.

Each note was woodblock-printed on handmade washi paper and bears multiple official red seals.
Motifs include Buddhist deity figures, cranes, traditional border patterns, wave designs, and distinctive calligraphy, reflecting the artistic and economic culture of regional Japan before the Meiji monetary reforms.

Details

Type: Hansatsu (Domain-issued & village-issued paper money)
Period: Late Edo to Bakumatsu (c.1800–1868)
Material: Handmade Japanese washi paper, woodblock print, red & black seals
Quantity: 4 pieces
Size: approx. 16–21 cm (see photos).

Condition:
There are age-related folds, toning, small tears, light staining, and minor wormholes typical of Edo-period paper currency.
Despite these natural signs of aging, the calligraphy, seals, and deity motifs remain clear.
Overall, the notes are well-preserved and stable.

Contents (the exact 4 notes in this lot)
1. Bungo Province – Okada (Okajō / Nakagawa Clan) Domain Note (銀五匁)

A daimyō-issued hansatsu from Bungo Province (present-day Ōita Prefecture).
Denomination: Silver 5 momme (五匁).
Features dense calligraphy, official seals, and a classical border design.

2. Yamato Province – Shibamura (芝村藩 / Oda Clan) Domain Note (銀壱匁)

A large-format daimyō hansatsu issued by Shibamura Domain of the Oda Clan.
Denomination: Silver 1 momme (壱匁).
The front includes a Buddhist deity illustration, several red seals, and detailed woodblock printing typical of Shibamura issues.

3. Ise Province – Kuwana Domain (桑名藩 / Matsudaira Clan) Note (銀壱匁)

An Edo-period hansatsu from Kuwana Domain in Ise Province, ruled by the Matsudaira clan.
Denomination: Silver 1 momme (壱匁).
Features include a crane motif at the top, multiple vermilion seals, and official exchange authorization text.

4. Owari Province – Noma-gumi / Village-Issued Private Note (喜多札)

A village-issued private hansatsu (私札) from Noma District in Owari Province (present-day Aichi Pref.).
Issued by a local headman (大崎治郎右衛門).
Features elegant decorative borders, a “福” (good fortune) crest, and clean calligraphy.
These village-credit notes circulated locally and survive in far smaller numbers than domain-issued hansatsu.

Historical Background

Before Japan unified its currency in 1871 (Meiji 4), each domain and many villages issued their own hansatsu to supplement shortages of gold, silver, or copper coinage.
These notes circulated only within the issuing region and were often backed by rice, silver, or local guild guarantees.

Hansatsu reflect the economic autonomy of Japan’s domains and are valued today for their historical significance and their intricate woodblock-printed designs—unique to the final century of the samurai era.

Shipping

The exact notes shown in the photos will be shipped.
Each note is stored in a protective sleeve and will be carefully packed for safe international delivery.

Shipping costs may vary depending on destination due to customs procedures or handling requirements.
Import taxes, VAT, or customs fees may apply depending on your country; these are the buyer’s responsibility.

All shipments include protective packaging, insurance (when available), and careful handling to ensure safe arrival.
In rare cases, customs inspections or extended transit may cause delays—your understanding is appreciated.