Japan: [from first passage]: “Kae 6,” i.e., 1853, and at end “copied 1854.”

A rare type of “Black Ship Scroll”: our scroll is unusual as it has accounts of not only the first Perry expedition but also the competing Russian mission of August 1853. Moreover, it contains many finely rendered illustrations that do not appear in the majority of other extant “Black Ship Scrolls.”

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 forced negotiations to open the island nation. These manuscript reports contain... More

A number of illus. & maps. Six vols. 8vo (280 x 190 mm.), stitched. Japan: 1848-63.

During the time of Japan’s official policy of strict isolationism in the first half of the 19th century, the bakufu (the shogun’s bureaucracy) and many private citizens became increasingly alarmed by the frequent foreign intrusions. Dissatisfaction with the weakened bakufu system of government and social unrest, caused by famine, earthquakes, and disease, exacerbated many citizens’ concerns.

The present collection of manuscripts, written in a number of hands, is an example of the Japanese genre kenbunroku (“notes on what I have seen and heard”). They clearly... More

Added finely engraved title by M. Merian (with a port. of Münster), woodcut port. of the author on verso of title, one folding plate (between pp. 1040-41), & 1490 woodcuts in the text (of which 26 are double-page maps & 72 are double-page plans & views). Printed title in red & black. 14 p.l. (incl. the engraved title, the 7th leaf a blank), 1752 pp. Large thick folio, cont. blindstamped panelled pigskin over thick wooden boards (some inevitable browning due to the quality of the paper), eight decorated brass corner-pieces & a central boss on each cover, orig. catches &... More

Manuscript on paper with one map, 14 full-page, & about 20 smaller illus., finely drawn in brush & various colors. 53 folding leaves. 8vo (295 x 195 mm.), orig. blue wrappers (rubbed & a little worn), manuscript label on upper cover with “Sendai Kanoko” written, new stitching. [Japan]: from final page (in trans.) “copied 1839.”

The earliest survey of the wealthy Sendai fiefdom — known as the Sendai Kanoko — was prepared in 1695. At that time, the domain was led by Tsunamura Date (1659-1719). The survey was part of a nation-wide effort in the Genroku era to increase the amount of new farmland and improve irrigation works. When... More