Example 4.4.

The following are some examples of numbers in rod numerals:

Credit: Wikipedia

Notice that vertical and horizontal form of rod numerals are used in an alternating way: vertical form is used for units, hundreds ten thousands and so on while horizontal form is used for tens, thousands and so on.

In the thirteenth century, Southern Song people simplified the positive rod numerals like this:

Southern Song positive rod numerals

Credit: Wikipedia

The horizontal form of Southern Song rod numerals eventually became the so-called huama (it is also called Suzhou numerals) that is still used in some Chinese markets and restaurants today.

Menu of an old Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong

Credit: http://catsleep_z.mysinablog.com/