Old Books, New Art

In the midst of completely updating The Maritime Heritage Project, we have come across quality reprints of historical images. These images bring history to life and are being included on all pages as appropriate. You will surely enjoy seeing paintings depicting the seaports our ancestors travelled during the 1800s. Japan was updated yesterday . . . Imagine sailing from dreary, crowded English seaports, for example, and landing in Japan, the Middle East, the South Pacific, South America. That is still a fascinating journey for the senses, but nevermoreso than during the 1500s, 1600s, etc.

The following is from Seaports of the World: Japan. Click through to view the new selection of historical fiction and the full text.

Prior to the mid-nineteenth century, Japan secluded itself from much of the rest of the world guided by myths. Japanese legend describes an early foray out of Japan and into Korea under Queen Jingo and her son Ojin. According to legend, the surprised and terrified Koreans surrendered at once and promised to pay homage and tribute to Queen Jingo until the sun rose in the west, rivers flowed backwards and stones turned into stars.

Map of Japan by Aaron Arrowsmith c. 1812.
Japan, c.1812
Aaron Arrowsmith

Japan was first brought into contact with Europe in the sixteenth century when Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta (1506-1552), a Portuguese Jesuit missionary, began his teaching in the Far East in a country greatly devastated by perpetual feudal war. St. Francis Xavier reached Japan in 1549 and directed to the port of Yamaguchi.

For a time Japan welcomed European interaction, and the Christian missionaries were able to convert the Japanese to Christianity. For forty-five years the Jesuits were the only missionaries in Asia; eventually Franciscans also began proselytizing in Asia. Christian missionaries were later forced into exile, along with their assistants. Some were able to stay behind, however Christianity was then kept underground as to not be persecuted

Reprints of the Shogun are available by clicking on the image.
Kokugawa Ieyasu Japanese Shogun Lawgiver
Founder of the Tokugawa Dynasty
1543-1616

In 1638, closed its islands to Europeans, and they remained closed for over 200 years. During those two centuries it was forbidden to build any ship larger than a mere coasting boat. No Japanese could go abroad, and no European could enter the country.

An early steamship in Japan.
An Early Steamship among traditional
Japanese craft, watched by a warrior from the coast.

Then in 1837 a ship sailed into Yedo Bay flying a strange flag of stripes and stars, and carrying some Japanese sailors she had picked up far adrift in the Pacific. She was driven off by a cannon shot. This flag presently reappeared on other ships. In 1853 four American warships under Commodore Perry sailing into Japanese waters. Perry sent messages to the rulers. In 1854 Perry returned with ten ships, amazing ships propelled by steam, and equipped with big guns, and he made proposals for trade and intercourse that the Japanese had no power to resist. He landed with a guard of 500 men to sign the treaty.

Russia, Holland, and Britain followed in the wake of America. Foreigners entered the country, and conflicts between them and Japanese gentlemen of spirit ensued. With astonishing energy and intelligence the Japanese set themselves to bring their culture and organization up to the level of the European powers. Never in all the history of mankind did a nation make such a stride as Japan then did.

In 1603, after decades of civil warfare, the Tokugawa shogunate (a military-led, dynastic government) ushered in a long period of relative political stability and isolation from foreign influence. For more than two centuries this policy enabled Japan to enjoy a flowering of its indigenous culture. Japan opened its ports after signing the Treaty of Kanagawa with the US in 1854 and began to intensively modernize and industrialize.

Daily Alta California, November 18, 1864

Very Late from Japan

By the arrival of the Edith Rose from Shanghai, via Yokohama, we have received a copy of the Japan Herald of October 15th.

If our readers will refer back to the Herald of October 25th, 1862, they will find an account of what we then termed a “great revolution,” under which Japan had just passed, and by which a great change in the whole constitution of the country had been wrought.

1855 Map of Jaapan showing preecture boundaries.
1855 Map of Japan, showing prefecture boundaries

They will find there that amongst the laws framed by Iyeyas for the government of the country, was one by which it Daimios were compelled, with their wives and families to live alternately at Yedo (instead of Miako, as formerly) and in their provinces; and that this important law had been reversed; that by this new constitution the highest Daimios were released from this service thus far; that the highest class were compelled to visit Yedo once only in seven years, and then only for 100 days at a time; the second class only in three years; the third class remaining as heretofore; whilst in all cases their wives and families were released from the obligation to remain in Yedo, and permitted to return to their provinces. Amongst the important news of the past week is that by which, as we learn, a decree has passed by which this has been again reversed; the original order of things reconstructed, and the obligation of the Daimios to reside in Yedo again reasserted.

We are also made aware of the issuing, by the Mikado, of a decree for the entire degradation of Choshiu, Matzdaira Daizen no Daiboo.

The Prince of Nangto, it is known, has entered into engagements with the Admiral Commanding-in-chief, to pay all indemnities as they should be fixed by the foreign representatives, for past outrages on foreign flags, all the expenses of the expedition, and a ransom for Simonseki . . .

For the last ten days Silk has begun again to come to Yokohama freely and in considerable quantities. Just at first all that found its way down was either contracted for or under advances; but other parcels were soon put upon the market, and gave rise to a very animated demand at gradually increasing prices, culminating in the highest figure that was ever paid in Japan. The market now seems to be more quiet, and should the arrivals from the country continue upon a liberal footing, prices may experience a slight reaction. To all appearance, the supply will continue abundant tor at least some time to come. A considerable portion of the late arrivals turns out to be last year’s silk, in a good state of preservation. The coarse Hatchogrees of good quality. which had been all but invisible throughout this year, have again made their appearance, to a fair extent hitherto.

The prospects held out in our last for imports have been realized; through the sale of a comparatively large quantity of raw silk during the week, a considerable amount of capital has become disengaged amongst the native dealers, which aided by the exchange of Itziboos in their favor, they have been able to invest freely in imports. A considerable amount of business has been done in staple articles, and prices, with few exceptions, show a considerable advance upon last quotations.

In 1866 Japan was a caricature of the extremist romantic feudalism. By 1899 visitors to the Land of the Rising Sun found a completely Westernized people, on a level with the most advanced European powers, and well in advance of Russia.

During this time, Russia began an assault on China, which alarmed the Japanese and led to a war with Russian financial adventurers surrounding the Tsar who had gambled in the prospective looting of Manchuria and China. Japanese soldiers crossed the China sea to Port Arthur and Korea. The Russians were beaten on sea and land alike and the Russian Baltic Fleet was utterly destroyed in the Straits of Tsbusbima.

The Courtesan Kashiku in Japan.
The Courtesan Kashiku
Utagawa Kuniyasu

In joining the world powers in 1858 the shogun signed disadvantageous commercial treaties with the United States and several European countries. Tokugawa leadership was questioned, and numerous samurai attacks were made on the foreigners now allowed to enter Japan. By 1864 most activists realized that the foreigners’ military power prevented their exclusion, and they turned against the Tokugawa instead. In 1867 Japan’s warriors finally forced the resignation of the shogun, and imperial government was restored under the young Meiji emperor in 1868.

During the Meiji period, people flocked to Edo and adopted as the imperial capital. Emperor of Japan Meiji and His World from 1852 to 1912 by Donald Keene.

The government imported foreign advisors and technology for industrial, commercial, and educational purposes. Official missions were sent to examine modern Western societies. Adopting the slogan “rich country, strong army,” Japan determined to gain a position of equality with the West.

London and China Telegraph, August 8, 1892

London, United Kingdom

A Reuter’s telegram from Yokohama states that Count MATSUKATA, the Premier, has resigned in consequence of the recent appointment of Mr. KONO TOKANA, who retains his portfolio as Minister of Justice, to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which had been for some time under Count MATSUKATA’S own control. In all probability the task of forming a new Ministry will be entrusted to Count ITO, President of the Privy Council. The changes in the Ministry have certainly been made with almost kaleidoscopic rapidity of late. With the return of Count ITO, one of the strongest men in Japanese politics, it is to be hoped that further stability will be acquired.

Colonies and India, March 31, 1894
London, United Kingdom

The match makers’ returns in Japan for December last are as follows:—500 gross of safety matches, valued at 130.00 yen, exported to Australia; 108,600 gross of safety matches, valued at 32,232.50 yen, to British India; 156,100 gross of safety matches, valued at 40,325.90 yen, and 12,425 gross of phosphorus matches, valued at 5,615.20yen, to China; 25,56G gross of safety matches, valued at 5,292.50 yen, and 0,425 gross of phosphorus matches, valued at 5,620.00 yen, to Korea; 679,200 gross of safety matches, valued at 181,708.00 yen, to Hong Kong; 50 gross of safety matches, valued at 12.00 yen, to the Philippines ; 60 gross of safety matches, valued at 15.50 yen, to the United States; and 150 gross of safety matches, valued at 52.00 yen, to other countries.

Young Japanese women studying.
A young woman writing at a desk.
A girl with a book looks on.
Utamaro Kitagawa

Kobe

Kobe in the 1870s.
The Port of Kobe in Japan
before and after the typhoon of 1871

Kobe covers a long and narrow stretch between the coast and the mountains and was one of the first cities to open for trade with the West, in 1868. Because Kobe is surrounded by calm, deep water, it was a desirable port. By the early 20th century, Kobe’s trade value accounted for 40 percent of Japan’s entire trade value.

London and China Telegraph, London, United Kingdom
November 1, 1892

HIOGO.

Government sanction has been given for the erection of Oil Tanks in Kobe and work will be proceeded with forthwith, the material having already arrived. The site chosen is alongside the warehouses already existing for case oil at Wada Point, which is convenient for the discharge of steamers, which will be able to come alongside a Pier and discharge by means of a pipe line direct to the Tanks. The extension of the harbour limits having at the same time been pushed forward and promulgated, foreign vessels will, from the 1st October, be allowed to discharge at Wada. Messrs. Samuel Samuel and Co., expect their first cargo to arrive next January, and its advent will no doubt greatly lessen the sale price of Oil. Similar arrangements are also in progress as regards Yokohama.

The extension of the harbour limits of Kobe is approved of by the native Press as a necessary and judicious step to meet the requirements of the increasing prosperity of foreign trade at that place. The extension carries with it the opening of Hiogo, entirely, to foreign trade.

For some months past there has been a movement on the part of certain influential Japanese in favour of the opening of Hiogo port to foreign commerce. Practically Kobe and Hiogo are contiguous, and one and the same; it is only the bed of the Minatogawa—dry for half of the year—which divides one from the other. The petition lately forwarded to the authorities in Tokio, and backed by the personal influence of the Governor of the ken, has received official sanction, and an Imperial Ordinance has been published in the Official Gazette fixing the limits of Kobe port and harbour from Oct. 1 at Wada Point, on the south-west, and the former bed of the Ikuta River (Onohama) on the east. This decision on the part of the Government receives the hearty approval of foreigners as well as Japanese.

KYOTO

Daily Alta California, February 22, 1890

A SUBSTITUTE FOR SILK.

Important Discovery of a Japanese Druggist of Hikone.

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Silk-Worm Culture by women
Utamaro Kitagawa

Mr. Nayemnra Sakusaburo, a druggist of Hikone in Omi, after many years of experiment and patient research, has succeeded in converting wild hemp (yachyo) into a substance possessing all the essential qualities of silk. Nothing is said about the process, but it is asserted that trial of the thread has been made at the First Silk Weaving Establishment in Kyoto and at other factories with excellent results in every case. The highest encomiums have been bestowed on the inventor, and complete success appears to be within his reach. The plant in question grows wild on moors and hill-sides. Its fibre is strong and glossy, in no wise inferior to silk when properly prepared. Cultivation on an extended scale would present no difficulties. The present idea is to form a company for working it, and to establish a factory in Kyoto, where land is cheap, water exceptionally good, and facilities of transport are provided. The capital of the company will be 300,000 yen, and the name of the factory “Yachyo-ito Seizo-sho.”

Hiroshige's Kyoto Bridge by Moonlight.
Kyoto Bridge by Moonlight

Ando Hiroshige

Ando Hiroshige was born in Edo (Tokyo), the son of a samurai and fireman. At the age of twelve, both his parents died. Two years later, in 1811, the young Hiroshige received a chance to join the famous Utagawa painting school. At that time, the ukiyo-e master Toyohiro Utagawa was the head of the studio. In 1812 he was formally allowed to take the name Utagawa. From then on he called himself Utagawa Hiroshige. In the ukiyo-e literature he is usually referenced as Hiroshige Ando.

The first work by Utagawa Hiroshige was a book illustration published in 1818, when he was 21 years old. Until 1830, Hiroshige created prints in the traditional style learned from his master Toyohiro Utagawa. Typical subjects out of that time were Kabuki actors prints, beautiful women and a few warrior prints.

From 1830 on, Hiroshige Utagawa tried his luck with a new genre – landscape prints. One of his great masterpieces is the series Tokaido gojusan-tsugi no uchi created from 1833 to 1834 with 55 Hiroshige prints in oban format. In literature you will find slightly varying English translations such as Fifty-three Stages of the Tokaido or From the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.

YOKOHAMA

During the final years of the feudal Edo period, remained secluded and had the least contact with the Western world.

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Noge Hill in Yokohama (Japan)
Felice Beato

It was considered a small fishing village until 1853-1854 when Commodore Matthew Perry sailed in with American warships with the goal of opening ports for commerce. Initially Kanagawa-juku, one of the 53 towns along the Tokaido Road (connecting Edo to Kyoto and Osaka), was designated a port hub. However, the Tokugawa shogunate designated the village of Yokohama in the year 1859 to be the hub for foreign trade.

During the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the area developed trade agreements with Great Britain mainly and Yokohama developed into an international city.

~ ~ ~ ~

Russian Views of Japan, 1792-1913: An Anthology of Travel Writing, David N. Wells

Before Japan was ‘opened up’ in the 1850s, contact with Russia as well as other western maritime nations was extremely limited. Yet from the early eighteenth century onwards, as a result of their expanding commercial interests in East Asia and the North Pacific, Russians had begun to encounter Japanese and were increasingly eager to establish diplomatic and trading relations with Japan. This book presents rare narratives written by Russians – explorers, official envoys, scholars and, later, tourists – who visited Japan between 1792 and 1913. The introduction and notes set these narratives in the context of the history of Russo-Japanese relations and the genre of European travel writing, showing how the Russian writers combined ethnographic interests with the assertion of Russian and European values, simultaneously inscribing power relations and negotiating cultural difference. Students of Japanese history, nineteenth-century Russia, literature and cultural studies will find this book an invaluable insight|into the contact between two civilizations at a time when they were particularly ignorant of each other.

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