Victorian book on Japanese manners and customs from 1867
Sean sends us this "scan of a Victorian book, 'Sketches of Japanese Manners and Customs.' The book, printed in 1867, was complied by a Royal Marine serving in Japan. It contains beautiful color plates by Japanese artists of the day." Link (Thanks, Sean!)
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This is weird. My friend just wrote a paper on Western stereotypes of Japanese culture in various media, and she made use of this text. Viva online uploading of obscure texts on niche subjects!
I'd like to see a Japanese manuscript from around the same period detailing the 'odd and peculiar' habits of these western visitors.
The head of our department has been working on images of japan in early 20th century USA. He's got a website with some pretty interesting stuff on it. http://www.indiana.edu/~jia1915/
There are a lot of really interesting netsuke portrayals of foreigners from the 18th & 19th centuries that really show just how different and strange Westerners were to the Japanese at the time. They all have a real caricature feel to them.
I guess it's very un-PC and all, but it sure is a beautiful little book.
MR
I find the author's various descriptions of Japanese religion and theology amusing, as he calls Kami saints and refers to purgatory and other Judeo-Christian ideas.
Also how he calls sake "saki" and sumo wrestlers "smoo".
Honestly, I've looked at a few of these very old English-language books on Japan, and oftentimes their depiction is no worse or better than modern ones. There's one from 1899 (I think) called The Real Japan which is delightful to read, because it is clear the author not only knew a lot about Japan, but really liked it and its people. Cultural misunderstandings abound, but that's still the case!
anyone know what "chebache" is?
Crank (#8), I took it as a variant of "hibachi", a small, portable grill or smoker for grilling skewered meats, veggies etc. But maybe for lighting pipes after dinner too?
MR