Large Manuscript Illustration of Black Ships at Kanagawa also showing the US and Japanese officials ashore
[Japan] Impressive, large, hand-drawn and coloured illustration on fine Japanese paper almost certainly showing a scene from Perry's return visit to Japan in February/March 1854. The nine ships are the USS Susquehanna, Mississippi, Saratoga, Lexington, Macedonian, Powhatan, Vandalia, Southampton and the Supply. Perry arrived offshore on 13 February, 1854 and landed on 8 March with 500 soldiers who came ashore on smaller boats as can be seen at centre right. Gifts were exchanged and on 31 March the Convention of Kanagawa was signed, marking the beginning of the end of Japan's 250 years of self-imposed isolation.
Artist unknown. 104 x 88cm. Folds up to approx. 27 x 24cm.
In good to very good condition. Some age wear, small holes and creasing. Large, single Japanese character written on rear that shows through to front. Overall still very good. m36061656
