An early illustrated manuscript copy of privately disseminated official reports from the months following Russian...
Black, gray, blue, red, yellow & green wash illus. throughout. 64 leaves. Large 8vo (230 x 160 mm.), decorative wrappers (a few wormholes expertly repaired), new stitching. [Japan: late Edo].
The opening of Japan to trade was a goal of many European nations from the 17th century onwards. All attempts fell short until 1853, when the United States instigated negotiations to open the island nation. These manuscript reports contain confidential Japanese observations on the near-simultaneous American and Russian efforts to initiate commercial relations with Japan. The Russian Empire was wary of the United States extending its influence to the Pacific Rim, and upon learning... More