Rare Books

Kairiku Okatame

Image not available

Description: Black and white karawaban published around the time of Perry's second expedition to Japan in 1854. Gives details of Japanese defense, shows a map of Tokyo Bay showing six of Perry's ships with the Tōkaidō Road running along the lower edge (includes 相模 [Sagami],武藏 [Musashi], 伊豆 [Izu], 安房 [Awa], 上總 [Kazusa] and 下總 [Shimōsa]); and a large illustration of one of the Black Ship steamers with an inset portrait of an armed American in uniform. The text details all of the Japanese clans mustered for defense, along with their family crests. Although undated, it appears to be reporting the events of 8th of March, 1854 when seven of Perry's ships entered Tokyo Bay. The text describes three steamships and four "brigado" or sailing ships.
Type: Rare Books(Opens in new tab)
Publication date: [approximately 1854]
Call number: 647771
Provenance: Purchased from Asia Bookroom, October 2019.

Amerikasen raikōzu

Manuscripts

Sketch manuscript map shows Commodore Perry's fleet entering Edo bay, probably on the 8th of March, 1854, given that seven vessels are shown. The bay is roughly outlined, showing Perry's fleet in the center, as well as the location of major landmarks including the city of Edo, the towns of Futtsu and Tateyama near to the entrance to the bay, and the three heavily fortified artificial islands which stood in the bay close to the city of Edo. Text beside the second ship indicates this is Perry's vessel, text along the shoreline tells us which clan was defending that section of coastline.

mssHM 83876

Image not available

Kaei nananen raikō Amerikasen fukushō Ahatamusuzō

Rare Books

Water color portrait depicts Captain Henry A. Adams, as seen by a Japanese artist, during Perry's second visit to Japan in 1854. It was at this time that Adams was actively engaged in negotiating the Treaty of Kanagawa. The text alongside the portrait states that Adams had arrived with about 700 people, and describes the Americans as having "yellowish faces, round eyes and bulbous noses."

647773

Image not available

Ikokusen toraiki keibi haichi zumaki, 1853?

Manuscripts

Scroll documenting Commodore Matthew C. Perry's first expedition to Japan in 1853. The scroll begins with a map showing the Pacific through Uraga Channel to Edo Bay, with the American squadron's route marked out in red. Japanese defense locations are also noted. Detailed notes on the size and types of the foreign ships are given and the number of cannon noted. Following the map are four official reports. "List of fiefdom lords' names who participated in the event of the foreign ships' arrival" is a firsthand account by Matsudaira Ecchu no kami about the first diplomatic encounters with Perry. "Advice to the local commissioners" is dated 12 June 1853 and recounts that four foreign ships were spotted from Otsu village, Miura Ward and Sagami province. The third report is dated 9 June and is written by five of the fiefdom lords reporting their meeting with the Americans. The final report, "A list of fiefdom lords' troop strength" enumerates the number of troops at the disposal of 33 lords, and their responsibilities in the event of an invasion.

mssHM 83968

Passing the Rubicon

Visual Materials

Image of Lieutenant Silas Bent leading a boat of United States sailors through a group of Japanese boats in Tokyo Bay, Japan, during the United States Naval Expedition to Japan (the Perry Expedition) in 1853; Japanese men with spears in boats watch the American troops as they enter the harbor; U.S. naval ship and Japanese coastline visible in the distance.

priJLC_MIL_001460

Image not available

Perī Uraga raikō kawaraban [manuscript]

Rare Books

Manuscript copy of a black and white kawaraban or news-sheet showing the defenses around Edo Bay against Commodore Perry's arrival in 1853. The manuscript closely resembles an exisiting karwaraban printed around 1853, but this copy lacks any woodgrain/imprinting physical evidence. Additionally, large flat areas are rendered in multiple colors of ink and brushstrokes and several inscriptions appear to be written and not cut/impressed. The names of the commanding lords, their location and numbers along with family crests and banners are listed. According to the text, 468.897 troops were mobilised to defend Edo. Seven American ships are illustrated in the bay. The main ship is illustrated in detail, showing crew in the riggings, lookouts and smoke billowing from its funnels. An American sailor is also depicted in detail.

642498

Image not available

KitaAmerika kōwa seijishū jōkan shinzō no sha

Rare Books

Printed portrait of Commodore Matthew C. Perry from a series of portraits of officers from the Black Ships. The title uses the traditional term commonly used for Qing officials to describe Perry's position. The text states that the mission had traveled a distance of 4500 Ri (17672.73km) to come to Japan from Washington.

647779

Kairiku Okatame

Opening Hours

Admission Info and Tickets

You might also be interested in

Amerikasen raikōzu

Kaei nananen raikō Amerikasen fukushō Ahatamusuzō

Ikokusen toraiki keibi haichi zumaki, 1853?

Passing the Rubicon

Perī Uraga raikō kawaraban [manuscript]

KitaAmerika kōwa seijishū jōkan shinzō no sha