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The Most Dramatic Image of Commodore Perry Landing on Japanese Soil.
Exceptional antique lithograph of Perry's first landing in Japan. The print is the most dramatic of Perry's first landing in Japan, and shows a flotilla of American barges, with all of the military pageant that Perry was famous for, including Marines in formation next tot the Japanese delegation. Perry's steamboats can be seen in the background; in the foreground are Japanese official launches.
The full title of the lithograph is: "First Landing of Americans in Japan, under Commodore M. C. Perry at Gore-Hama July 14th 1853. To Commodore M.C. Perry, Officers & men of the Japan Expedition, this Print is respectfully dedicated by their Obt. Servts Heine & Brown"
This lithograph comes from Heine's set of six elephant folio-sized hand-colored prints recording Commodore Perry's voyage to Japan in 1853. The complete Heine set retails for around $150,000. Heine also produced a smaller work titled Graphic Scenes of the Japan Expedition, which costs much less and was issued in 1856.
The following titles comprise the complete set of six lithographs:
- "Passing the Rubicon. Lieut. S. Bent in the 'Mississippi's' First Cutter Forcing his way through a Fleet of Japanese Boats while Surveying the Bay of Yedo, Japan, July 11th, 1853...." Printed by Sarony & Co, dated 1855.
- "First Landing of Americans in Japan. Under Commodore M.C. Perry at Gore-Hama July 14th, 1853...." Printed by Sarony & Co, dated 1855.
- "Landing of Commodore Perry, Officers & Men of the Squadron, to Meet the Imperial Commissioners at Yoku-Hama, Japan, March 8th, 1854...." Printed by Sarony & Co, dated 1855.
- "Landing of Commodore Perry, Officers & Men of the Squadron, to Meet the Imperial Commissioners, at Simoda, Japan, June 8, 1854...." Printed by Sarony & Co, dated 1855.
- "Return of Commodore Perry, Officers & Men of the Squadron from an Official Visit to the Prince Regent at Shui, Capitol of Lew Chew, June 6th 1853...." Printed by Boell & Lewis, dated 1855.
- "Exercise of Troops in Temple Grounds Simoda Japan, in Presence of the Imperial Commissioners June 8th 1854...." Printed by Boell & Michelin, dated 1856.
Rarity
We find only one example of the complete set on the market (with William Reese Co. for $150,000) and no examples of the print being offered individually.
The Perry Expedition was a diplomatic and military undertaking to Japan during its Bakumatsu period. The Expedition involved two separate trips of steamships of the United States Navy, which took place during 1852-1854. The goals of the expedition included exploration, surveying, the establishment of diplomatic relations, and the "opening" of Japan to trade with the United States. The Perry Expedition had a colossal influence on 19th century Japan, leading to interaction with, and influence by, the outside world, the collapse of the Tokugawa shogunate and the Meiji Restoration. In the Western world, the opening of Japan to trade led to a period of Japonisme in decorative and fine arts and culture.
