3-008-911 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: the Japanese Court - from a photograph by the London Stereoscopic Company, 1862. Display of '...articles from a hitherto unexporting country, mainly due to the exertions of Mr. Rutherford Alcock, her Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary...[His] contributions...comprise 190 specimens of lacquer-ware...Attention may next be directed to numerous lacquer and enamelled objects in ivory, tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl...In close vicinity to these may be seen specimens of Hakoni ware...china and porcelain...pottery and quaint forms of earthenware...amongst the precious stones displayed are to be seen a large ruby and equally large sapphire, both uncut...Several swords, such as are commonly in use, are exhibited...The silks which are exhibited are remarkable for their softness...Of scientific instruments there are to be seen a quadrant, a sundial, a compass, a pedometer...a clock, a thermometer, and a telescope;...specimens of elaborate carving in ivory and wood are not wanting;...[There are] curious-looking cloaks and hats, which are the winter dresses of peasants, and are manufactured with great neatness from a grass indigenous to the country'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.