梁時代の貨幣流通をめぐって

Abstract

In the first half of the reign of Liang Wudi 梁武帝 mostly copper coins circulated, but this circulation was disturbed by the appearance of inferior money. Moreover, the iron money coined by Wudi which was legal tender throughout the whole country was toward the only worth 1/3 of its original value at the end of his reign, yet somehow or other it remained effective. On this general background the specific economic structure under Wudi can be understood. Wudi managed Tun 屯 and Di 邸 personally and though he intended to gain an increased income this way, he spent it again in supporting the Buddhist faith, building temples and monasteries. Thereby he promoted the circulation of iron money. Moreover, Wudi granted certain high civil or military officials as well as members of the imperial family a special tax-exempt status in managing Tun and Di and doing business. This again is an important reason for the increase in circulation of goods and iron currency. Though these practices may seem contrary to a proper administration of the country and even serve to weaken its strength, the iron currency remained in circulation as legal tender under the above described conditions until at the end of the Liang Hou Jing 侯景 rose in rebellion.