Characteristics of the Lithograph.

Lithograph Type: Tinted lithograph
Page Size: 14 1/2 x 19 3/4 in -- 26.5 x 50.2 cm
Image Area: 8 9/16 x 12 15/16 in -- 21.5 x 31.5 cm
Format: Lithograph tipped onto the page
Page thickness: Thick card stock.
Titling:

W. Heine del.
Litho of Sarony & Co, 117 Fulton St, New York
Kung-Kwa at On-Na, Lew Chew. (No. 5)

IV.
Kung-kwa at On-na, Lew Chew.

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The kingdom of Lew Chew, being composed of one large and several small islands, has about 80,000 inhabitants; and although independent in its government, the Regent is in a certain measure responsible to the Prince of Satzuma, in Japan, and pays a certain annual tribute to the Emperor of China.

In 1853 the American Squadron, under Commodore M. C. Perry, arrived in Napha-kiang, and by virtue of a treaty with the Lew Chewan Government, their seaport was opened to the American flag.

With the exception of Napha-kiang and the capital, Shui, there are no large towns on the island. The population, mostly devoted to agricultural pursuits, live in villages and scattered hamlets. As there is scarcely any inland trade, and very little travelling, inns are not known in this country.

For the accommodation of governments, officers, and persons of distinction, however, Kung-kwas, or government houses, are erected at certain distances. These are usually large wooden buildings, divided into several compartments by sliding partitions, which can be easily shifted, converting the whole into one large apartment.

One or more smaller houses, connected with the larger one by verandahs, contain kitchens and rooms for servants and carriers.

The yard, surrounding the whole establishment, is usually neatly covered with gravel, and is sometimes ornamented with flowers. Stone walls, hedges, or earthen embankments, enclose and often hide a Kung-kwa so completely, that the traveller is sometimes not aware of its existence till he enters the yard.

A party sent by Com. Perry, immediately after his arrival, to explore the island, always found in these establishments snug quarters. Attendants were in waiting to supply the strangers with such food as the country afforded, chiefly rice, eggs, chickens, and tea. The clean mats with which the floors were covered, offered to the tired travellers an acceptable resting-place for the night. Native watchmen were stationed at some distance, to keep away the rabble which tried at times to get a peep at the foreigners from behind the trees or hedges.

Although the accommodations offered by the Kung-kwas are of a very frugal description, they are very acceptable after a toilsome day's journey.

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).