Tael

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Chinese Silver Liang with Stamps used in Central Asia as Silver-Hoff-Ingot

後藤分銅1

Gold lang Tu Duc CdM

Tael is a traditional East Asian unit of weight, which was used as a currency denomination in China, Japan, and Korea. The tael is also known in Chinese as liang (两 or 兩), a term that is still used in contemporary China when referring to weight. The tael was not a uniform measure across different regions and periods; its weight varied from place to place, from about 30 to 40 grams, depending on the locality and the commodity being weighed.

History

The use of the tael dates back to the Han dynasty in China, where it was used as a weight measure for gold and silver. Over time, it became a common unit of weight throughout East Asia, especially for weighing precious metals and medicines. In addition to its use in trade, the tael played a significant role in the monetary systems of China, Japan (where it was known as ryō), and Korea (where it was known as don or nyang).

Variations

There were several variations of the tael depending on the region and the material being weighed. For example, the Chinese silver tael (known as yinliang) was different from the medicinal tael (known as yaoliang). This lack of standardization often led to confusion and difficulty in trade, especially in international dealings.

Chinese Tael

In China, the tael was used both as a unit of weight and as a currency. The Qing dynasty standardized the silver tael as the official currency in the 19th century, but this system was replaced by the yuan following the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912.

Japanese Ryō

In Japan, the tael, known as ryō, was historically important in the Edo period for both commercial transactions and as a measure for the official samurai stipend. The value of ryō in terms of gold or silver varied over time and according to the policies of the ruling shogunate.

Korean Don

In Korea, the tael, referred to as don or nyang, was used in a similar manner to China and Japan. It was a key unit for trade, especially for precious metals and medicine. The Korean tael was officially replaced by the Korean won in the late 19th century.

Modern Usage

Today, the tael is still used in China, particularly in Hong Kong, for trading precious metals such as gold and silver. The Hong Kong tael is standardized at approximately 37.799 grams. It remains an important part of the region's financial and trading systems, especially in the gold market.

Cultural Significance

Beyond its economic and monetary uses, the tael holds cultural significance in East Asia. It is commonly used in traditional ceremonies, such as weddings and the Chinese New Year, where gold and silver taels are given as gifts to symbolize wealth and prosperity.