This paper analyzes the depiction of "ARAI (washing)" in work-related literary documents from around the Edo period to clarify objects such as lye used in "ARAI," the operators who performed the ARAI, and the activities involved in ARAI operations. Also, by examining these records historically, the transition of "ARAI" in construction activities mainly for repairs from the Keicho era in the early Edo period to the Tenpo era in the late Edo period is examined. We clarified the "ARAI" was carried

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... out by professional craftsmen described as "Arai-ya" and "Arai-kata" from Genroku era in the middle Edo reriod.