Rare Books
Amerika fujin
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- Description
- Japanese description of American woman and two boys. Illustrated handbill probably published in the late Edo period (approximately 1846 to 1868). Divided into three sections, the most prominent depicts an American woman with accompanying text, the other two sections an object which appears to be a fountain and the lower section two American boys. Japanese interest in America and its people was heightened following the arrival of Biddle in 1846 and later Perry in 1853, although accurate information was difficult to obtain. The text which accompanies the image of the American woman describes her in translation as "the most beautiful woman in the west. Her name is 'Akirisanteru' and she is nineteen years old." The image of the two American boys is described: "The older boy is twelve years old and holds a heavy vase made of iron. The younger boy is four years old and holds a racket." The object in the upper left is named as a "Konstapontein" and may be a scientific instrument rather than a fountain.
- Publication date
- [between 1846 and 1868]
- Call number
- 647769
