East Asian Palanquin

Timeline

1. c. 800–1100Chang'an–Kaifeng · ChinaDuring the Tang and Song periods, palanquins were differentiated by rank in cabin form and number of bearers, becoming the standard human-powered vehicle for officials and noblewomen traveling between capitals and post roads.
2. c. 1190–1200Lin'an and Kamakura · JapanThe Southern Song temporary capital at Lin'an maintained rank-graded palanquins for officials; Kamakura-period Japan likewise used koshi palanquins, complementing the short-distance movement of samurai, monks, and nobles.
3. c. 1200–1300Towns of Jiangnan · JiangnanPalanquins became widespread in the towns of Jiangnan and for short hauls along official roads, complementing boats to form a multi-tiered transport system linking East Asian cities and countryside.