MR. HEINE was one of the Artists who accompanied Commodore Perry on his late expedition to Japan. Returning with his portfolio, rich in numerous sketches, highly characteristic of the interesting people among whom he had exercised his talent, he was induced, at the suggestion of friends, to prepare some of them on an enlarged scale, and by causing them to be lithographed and printed in colors, to accomplish, if he could, the double object of presenting a finished specimen of American chromo lithography, and of gratifying, at the same time, the liberal and enlightened curiosity of our countrymen respecting some of the outward scenes of the oriental world.

As artistic productions, the pictures speak for themselves; and we think we may safely say of them that they are a credit to our country: none superior to them have been executed in the United States, and they have no cause to shun comparison with some of the best productions of Europe, in this department of art. Unrivalled excellence in art is within our reach--it needs but the wise liberality and encouragement of our countrymen to secure it.

We are the more confirmed in our appreciation of the specimens in this album, from the fact that some of them have been submitted to European criticism, and have drawn forth commendation from men whose approbation is honor. We take the liberty of inserting an extract from a letter written by Baron v. Humboldt to our artist. We may do it for Mr. Heine, though a sense of modesty might prevent him from giving it publicity. It is not used without tho permission of the distinguished writer.

"I thank you most sincerely for your friendly lines, and for the honorable offer to add my name to your important work. All that my excellent friend Baron v. Geroldt has told you of the praises with which your designs have been received among us is true. I have shown them to the most distinguished artists, as well as to the King, who has a refined taste for art, and all unite in the high test encomiums upon your works.

"His Majesty rejoices to see an artist of so distinguished talent from our own mother country the first to delineate the peculiar features of the long-bound up coasts of the Japanese Empire. Not alone is the character of the landscape admirable in your beautiful designs, but above all the exactness with which you are represented on such a small scale the peculiarities of those singular races. Printing in colors offers many difficulties, buy you have overcome them in a remarkable degree.

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"May you likewise succeed in the other drawings. With such photographic sketches you cannot fail.

"It is highly praiseworthy in the United States Government to enrich libraries and public schools with such unbound liberality.

"We are expecting great enjoyment from you in the illustrations of Commodore Perry's book.

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"Receive, my dear young friend, renewed expressions of my kindest regard and esteem, due to your talent, your spirit of enterprise, and your courageous perseverance
"In friendship, yours,
"A. v. HUMBOLDT"

F. L. HAWKS.

Return to the Main Page for Graphic Scenes of the Japan Expedition.

Introduction (Text Only)

Plate #1 - Portrait of Commodore Perry


Plate #2 - Macao from Penha Hill


Plate #3 - The Pagoda of Wampoa - Colored

Available for Purchase - Folio Print on Bristol Board

Plate #4 - Old China Street in Canton - Colored


Plate #5 - Kung-twa at Lew-Chew


Plate #6 - Mia, the Roadside Chapel at Yoku-hama


Plate #7 - Temple of Ben-teng, in the Harbor at Simoda


Plate #8 - Street and Bridge at Simoda


Plate #9 - Temple of Ha-tshu-man-ya Tschu-ro, at Simoda


Plate #10 - Grave-yard at Simoda, Dio Zenge

Available for Purchase - Folio Print on Bristol Board

 

Image Area: This is the measurements for the frame box that surrounds each image.
 
Formats.

• Type I - Lithograph printed on separate sheet which is tipped (affixed) to the page (book format) or bristol board (folio format). Titling to the lithograph is printed on the page/board.

• Type II - Entire lithograph (including titling) is printed onto the page (book format) or bristol board (folio format).