The Edo period (1603–1868) of Japan was a time of remarkable cultural, political, and social transformation. Among the many achievements of this era, the growth of literacy and the expansion of printed materials are particularly noteworthy. One such notable work is the 永代節用無尽蔵 (Eitai Setsuyō Mujinzō), an encyclopedia that captures the essence of Edo period knowledge, daily life, and cultural norms. The Eitai Setsuyō Mujinzō serves not only as a valuable resource for understanding the period but also as a lens through which we can examine literacy, the ownership of printed materials, and the place of encyclopedias in Edo society.
The Rise of Literacy in Edo Period Japan
The Edo period witnessed a significant increase in literacy rates, particularly in urban centers like Edo (modern-day Tokyo), Osaka, and Kyoto. The rise of the merchant class and the proliferation of education through terakoya (temple schools) contributed to the spread of literacy. Unlike previous eras where reading and writing were primarily the domains of the samurai and aristocrats, by the mid-Edo period, commoners—especially merchants, artisans, and even some farmers—had access to education. These temple schools were often private institutions where children learned basic reading, writing, and arithmetic. Texts like ōraimono (letter-writing manuals) were widely used, but it was works like encyclopedias that reflected the growing demand for practical knowledge.
The increase in literacy did not mean universal education by modern standards, but it did create a broad market for printed materials. Books were no longer exclusively for the elite; they became accessible to a much wider audience. The commercial printing industry flourished, and publishers produced a wide variety of books, from religious texts to practical guides and fiction. Encyclopedias like the Eitai Setsuyō Mujinzō would have been part of this growing collection of printed works aimed at the literate public.
What is the Eitai Setsuyō Mujinzō?
This encyclopedia was designed to serve as a comprehensive resource for various aspects of daily life and knowledge. Its title can be translated to “The Eternal Treasury of Useful Knowledge,” reflecting its intention as a lasting and invaluable resource. Encyclopedias like this were practical guides, containing information on everything from vocabulary and grammar to etiquette, seasonal customs, and even practical medical advice.
The Eitai Setsuyō Mujinzō was part of a broader genre of setsuyōshū (節用集), which were reference books or dictionaries meant to provide guidance on proper language usage, especially for written communication. The setsuyōshū were incredibly popular during the Edo period, catering to the needs of an increasingly literate population that required such resources for letter writing, business transactions, and education.
Who Would Have Owned the Eitai Setsuyō Mujinzō?
Encyclopedias like the Eitai Setsuyō Mujinzō were likely owned by the more literate and educated segments of society. While they were probably out of reach for the average farmer, wealthier merchants, samurai, scholars, and teachers would have had the means and the need for such reference materials. Merchants, in particular, who were part of the rising urban middle class, relied heavily on written contracts and communications, so they would have found such a resource invaluable.
It is also likely that samurai households, particularly those involved in bureaucratic roles, would have kept copies of the Eitai Setsuyō Mujinzō or similar works. Samurai who were educated in Chinese classics and Japanese literature might have used these encyclopedias to support their daily correspondence and maintain their cultural and literary sophistication. Moreover, encyclopedias like this would have been valuable tools for instructors at the terakoya, who were responsible for teaching literacy and practical knowledge to the children of merchants and artisans.
How Common Were Encyclopedias in the Edo Period?
Printed materials were becoming more widely available during the Edo period, thanks to advances in woodblock printing and a burgeoning book trade. Encyclopedias like the Eitai Setsuyō Mujinzō were not as common as popular fiction or religious texts, but they were part of a growing genre of practical books. Their availability, however, depended on one’s location and wealth. In major urban centers like Edo, Kyoto, and Osaka, it was easier to find a wide array of printed materials, including encyclopedias. In rural areas, books were less accessible, and any printed materials that did circulate were often shared among families or communities.
While not ubiquitous, encyclopedias were valued resources, and their relatively high production costs likely limited their ownership to wealthier individuals or institutions. However, their importance as practical guides ensured that they were produced in sufficient numbers to meet the demands of an increasingly literate and information-hungry public.
In conclusion, the Eitai Setsuyō Mujinzō is not just a historical artifact but a testament to the intellectual curiosity and practical needs of Edo-period Japan. Its existence underscores the rise of literacy and the democratization of knowledge during a time of profound cultural change. While rare today, such encyclopedias remain invaluable windows into the daily lives and minds of the Edo-period Japanese.