The Kuriyama Family Residence, located in Gojo City, is Japan’s oldest private home with a confirmed construction date. It’s not just an old building—it’s a link to the lives of Edo-period merchants. Two fascinating greeting cards, mailed from Nara, Yamato by Kuriyama (栗山) of Gojo (五条) in 1889 and 1890, offer a personal glimpse into this family’s story. The 1889 card, addressed to Maeda Yoshihiko and referring to him as "aburaeshi" (油絵師, oil paint artist), hints at the connections and prominence of the Kuriyama family. Although Kuriyama’s first name is illegible, he was undoubtedly one of the wealthy Kuriyamas, prominent merchants of Nara.
The Kuriyama family were key players in Gojo’s growth as a trade hub, bridging the gap between rural producers and urban markets. Their influence extended beyond commerce, as evidenced by their connections reflected in these postcards. These cards offer a rare glimpse into the social networks and relationships of a prominent merchant family from over a century ago.
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