Nagasaki School

18th-19th century

Russian Officer
(Wo-ro-sh-ya jin no zu)

the title at upper right, Wo-ro-shi-ya jin no zu (Picture of a Russian) with publisher's seal Nagasaki, Yamatoya (Yamatoya Yoshibei of Bunsaido in Nagasaki), ca. 1854

17 1/2 by 6 1/4 in., 44.5 by 16 cm

The subject of this print is most-likely Euphimy Vasil'evich Putiatinn (1803-1883), a Russian Vice-Admiral who led the diplomatic effort to open trade between Russian and Japan. Putiatin arrived in Nagasaki in August 1853, just one month after Commodore Perry's first visit on behalf of the United States. He returned to Japan in October 1854 and concluded the negotiations in January of the following year. Putiatin signed the Treaty of Shimoda (formerly Treaty of Commerce and Navigation Between Japan and Russia) on behalf of Russia in the city of Shimoda on January 26, 1855.

Reference:
N.H.N. Mody, A Collection of Nagasaki Colour Prints and Paintings, 1969, plate 90 (image of Admiral Putiatine and his Staff)
The Fascinating World of the Japanese Artist, Society for Japanese Arts and Crafts, 1971, p. 30
(inv. no. 10-4106)

price: Sold