徽州文書からみた「承繼」について

Abstract

In a previous article, "Kishu ni okeru kasan bunkatsu [The Division of Family Property in Huizhou]" (Kindai Chugoku No. 25, October 1995), I examined the special characteristics of the lineage (zongzu 宗族) and the family (jiazu 家族) in Huizhou by looking at the methods through which families actually divided their property. Using the Huizhou deeds and contracts as a source, this article examines the methods, purposes and processes for the selection of heirs in cases in which there existed no biological male heir to succeed to the family line (zong 宗) and property, or to conduct the sacrifices to the ancestors. First, I demonstrate that there was a difference between the legal or ideal concept of "inheritance chengji 承継)" and "inheritance" as actually practiced in Huizhou. Furthermore, in cases where "inheritance" actually occurred, the significance of it extended beyond the boundaries of the family or lineage alone. It was closely tied to the customs of marriage into the family of a wife (ruzhui 入贅) and to the sale of people (maishen 賣身). as well as to issues of status in society such as the yingzhuyingyi (應主應役) relationship which included the matter of bondservants (pu 僕). Second, I examine the issue of how bondservants inherited their status and labor obligations, and their behaviour relating to "inheritance".