Every detail was recorded by the Japanese. Here is a typical example of a picture depicting American coins ranging from one dollar to twenty dollar gold pieces and silver coins of various denominations. Below are drawings of Western pipes of different shapes, a water barrel and an anchor. At the bottom we see a grappling hook and oars. Similar drawings were made for the hundreds of agricultural tools and implements that were presented by Perry as gifts to the Japanese people and their government. Included among his gifts were the newest examples of Western technology, including a miniature steam train (on which many a samurai wanted to take a ride), a complete telegraph apparatus and lines, fire-fighting equipment, and Western weapons including Colt (Six Shooters) and Hall's (twenty-four-shot) rifles. There were also many books including a splendid edition of Audubon's Birds of America. As depicted here, all these objects were carefully drawn and described.

Next Image | Previous Image | Image Gallery | Black Ship Scroll Main Page