Jul 09, 2020 - Sale 2540

Sale 2540 - Lot 107

Price Realized: $ 3,000
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 2,000 - $ 3,000
(JAPAN -- PERRY.) [U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival in Japan, July 8th, 1853.] Large color-woodblock kawaraban broadside depicting the entrance of Perry's Black Ship squadron into Edo Bay. Two sheets joined, 16x23 inches overall, wide margins; a few small edge repairs and minor worm holes filled within the image. Japan, circa 1853

Additional Details

Rare kawaraban design illuminated with portraits and scenes of the momentous occasion. Perry appears in the right panel, Henry Adams at the left; between the portraits is a depiction of a procession of marines marching to the convention with Japanese dignitaries. Perry and Adams lead the parade bearing American flags, while two cabin boys are seen carrying boxes containing official gifts for the Shogunate and President Millard Fillmore's letter requesting harmonious commerce between the two nations. The appeal of the composition is further enhanced by the seldomly seen color-printing.