Author: [NAGASAKI - ENGRAVING]. KRUSENSTERN, ADAM JOHANN VON:
Title: [Russian title]. Ansicht von Megasaky. Tab. LVIII. St. Petersburg 1814.
Description: . Copper engraved plate on strong paper. Image (including text) size: 51.5 x 35.5 cm. The plate depicts a view of Nagasaki harbour with a few Japanese junks anchored in front of settlements along the shore. In the foreground a small boat carrying some members of the Russian delegation including Krusenstern and three Chinese men. This is one of the earliest accurate images of Nagasaki. Water staining at margins, heavy at lower margin but not affecting the image.The plate is included in Krusenstern's account of the first Russian circumnavigation 1803-6. The expedition stayed for about six months at Nagasaki hoping to negotiate trade agreements between the countries and study the local natural history. At this time Japan was almost completely isolated from the rest of the world, only the port of Nagasaki being accessible (or Dejima to the Dutch). However, the Russians were never invited to come ashore. Wilhelm Gottlieb Tilesius, a German naturalist and engraver, participated as doctor and marine biologist on the expedition. During the voyage he contributed with numerous sketches and water colours. This engraving is made after his drawing.

Keywords: East Asia, japan, japon, japanese, asia asie, asien, asiatic, engraving, illustrations, nagasaki, travel, voyage, exploration,


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