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Hand


A hand is a traditional unit of length primarily used to measure the height of horses. It is equal to 4 inches or 10.16 centimeters.


The origin of the hand as a measurement comes from using the width of a human hand, and it has been standardized at 4 inches for consistency in horse measurement. Horse height is expressed in "hands," measured from the ground to the highest point of the withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades).


Key points:



  • 1 hand = 4 inches



  • 1 hand = 10.16 centimeters



  • Used mainly for measuring horse height



  • Horse height is often given in hands and inches, e.g., 15.2 hands means 15 hands plus 2 inches



The hand remains the standard unit for horse height in many English-speaking countries.


Ken


A ken is a traditional Japanese unit of length used mainly in architecture and construction. It measures the distance between two pillars in traditional Japanese buildings and is roughly equivalent to 6 Japanese feet (shaku) or about 1.82 meters (approximately 6 feet).


The ken was a standard module in Japanese design, influencing room sizes and proportions in temples, houses, and other structures. Its use helped maintain harmony and consistency in traditional building layouts.


Though largely replaced by the metric system today, the ken remains significant in studying traditional Japanese architecture and cultural heritage.


Summary:



  • 1 ken ≈ 1.82 meters (6 feet)



  • Based on spacing between structural pillars



  • Used in traditional Japanese architecture



  • Important for historical and cultural studies





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