Manuscript book of Flags of Foreign Vessels written by Naito Morinari
[Japan] Fascinating manuscript book containing 188 flags flown by foreign vessels. With more and more ships entering Japanese waters in the 1840s, Japanese officials needed to know what countries the vessels were from. This orihon is especially interesting because it also has the flags of the vessels' cities and countries written in Dutch. Bound in wooden boards and dated 1849, this is the first with flags named in a Western language as well as Japanese that we have found.
No place. Written by Naito Morinari. Kaei 2 (1849).
9 leaves. 23 x 16.3cm.
In good condition. Wooden boards with some wear. Title in red on upper board. Black marks inside both covers that appear to have been made on purpose to cover up writing. First fold with some separation at edge. Minor worming affecting small parts of top margins. Otherwise good. m37071920
