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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 β‰ˆ 1.82 meters (6 feet)



  • Based on spacing between structural pillars



  • Used in traditional Japanese architecture



  • Important for historical and cultural studies




Span (Cloth)


A span is an old unit of length based on the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger of a fully extended hand. Traditionally, it measures about 9 inches or 22.86 centimeters.


In the context of cloth and textiles, the span was used as a convenient, informal measure to estimate small lengths of fabric before standardized rulers became widespread. It was helpful for tailors and traders to quickly gauge lengths during measuring and cutting.


While the span is largely obsolete as a formal unit today, it reflects historical measurement practices tied closely to the human body, similar to the cubit or hand.


Summary:



  • 1 span β‰ˆ 9 inches (22.86 cm)



  • Based on the hand’s spread



  • Used historically in cloth measurement and tailoring



  • Now mostly of historical and cultural interest



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