• Object type: Painting
• Formal Title: Landing at Yokohama
• Creator: William Heine (1825-1885)
• Date Created: 1854
• Origin: Yokohama, Japan
• Current Location: unknown

The American Commodore Perry first arrived on the shores of Japan in 1853. The Japanese had a strict isolationist policy in effect and had beheaded a boatload of wayward Portuguese to prove it.

But Perry had four warships behind him - the Japanese called them black ships because of their black navy paint.

Perry dropped off a passive-aggressive letter from the President of the United States politely demanding trade with Japan and safe harbour for American ships.

This caused all kinds of consternation within the aging, heavy and archaic samurai society and shogun governments of Japan.

But Perry was back within a year and in 1854 he landed at Yokohama seeking a good reception from the Japanese. This painting shows his disembarkation.

Perry, though now supported by eight black ships, still showed considerable temerity by landing in what should of been a very hostile land.

In the result, the Japanese were gently but firmly intimidated into opening up to foreign ships in their harbour.

This instantly affected law as well, especially the pivotal Charter Oath of the Five Articles.

REFERENCES:

• Duhaime, Lloyd, The Charter Oath of the Five Articles
• Duhaime, Lloyd, Japan: A Legal History, Part 4 and Part 5

---

This page has been viewed 1712 times.