Explorations of Difference
As sea voyages became more advanced in the 19th century, world travelers sought knowledge about new lands. Documentation of their findings in printed, handwritten, and illustrated form served as essential proof of discovery for those back home. The two examples in this case feature Japan’s role in the excitement and commemoration of new discoveries in zoology, anthropology, and geography, as well as territorial access.
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C.N. (artist’s signature)
Hand fan with an image of the SS Vega on recto and a map of its route on verso
Tokyo: Tokyo University, Sept. 15, 1879
Call number: Uncatalogued
This Japanese fan with hand-colored lithography commemorates the Swedish steamship Vega’s escape from arctic pack ice during the first successful voyage through the Northeast Passage in 1879. Led by scientist Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld, the Vega circumnavigated Eurasia, stopping in Japan before returning via the Indian Ocean. As a keepsake from a Geographical Society reception at Tokyo University, the fan reflects Japan’s growing engagement with Western scientific exploration and places Japan in league with Western powers by including its flag.
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Perry, Matthew Calbraith (1794–1858); Hawks, Francis L. (1798–1866)
Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan, Performed in the Years 1852, 1853, and 1854, Under the Command of Commodore M.C. Perry, United States Navy, by Order of the Government of the United States
New York; London: D. Appleton & Co., 1857
Call Number: Ellis Omnia E237
On route to Japan in 1853 with the goal of opening trade relations with the West, Commodore Perry’s ships stopped at the Lew-Chew (Ryukyu) Kingdom, in present-day Okinawa. This scene shows two Americans holding rifles, one local holding something out to a monkey, and a photographer directing his colleague to pose with some inhabitants in front of a Buddhist temple in Tumai (now Tomari, North Naha). Returning in 1854, Perry compelled Lew-Chew officials to allow foreigners future access to the country.