蘭字(Ranji)를 통한 근대일본의 茶수출무역 고찰

A Study on Tea Export Trade of Modern Japan through Ranji

Ranji was the name of tea products which were exported to Europe and USA in Meiji (1868~1912) and Taisho (1912~1926) Ages. It was made by Ukiyo-e style, a kind of traditional art of engraving. After opening industry market to foreigners, Japan mostly exported the raw-silk and tea. Sometimes the tea was exported more than the raw-silk. The teas were exported to England, Australia, Russia, Netherlands, Denmark, USA and etc. Among them, the largest market to export tea was USA. The major product in Japan was green-tea which was also mainly consumed in USA. In this reason, 80% of Japanese tea exports were toward USA. The green-tea exports were gradually reduced because USA imported the black-teas from India and Ceylon. Thus, Japanese tea industry had been oriented to the black-tea and this phenomenon was shown in Ranji. The export of Japanese teas that was dependent on the USA market was hit the strike. Moreover, a large plurality of India and Ceylon tea and competition from cheap manufactured exports could not survive the continued reduction. In terms of these tea industry did not expect much effect. However, in terms of Tea-culture unexpected effect was achieved. When you see the entire Ranji feel modern and western. This is remarkable ethnicity because It uses Ukiyo-e artists of the traditional culture techniques. Moreover most designs are traditional Japanese culture and cultural expression can be read about pride. Therefore, Ranji acts as representing the attractiveness of Japanese culture to Western. The unique design of Ranji focused attentions and aroused interest in Japanese culture.