The Black Ship Scroll marks a time in history when Japan "opened" its doors to the outside world after more than two centuries of living in seclusion. The Japan Society of Northern California originally received a set of Black Ship Scroll paintings as a gift over half a century ago. Cut from what was originally a single handscroll, this collection of 27 individually mounted images contains Japanese depictions of Commodore Perry and his crew members in Shimoda, Japan, in 1854. The scenes provide eyewitness accounts by an anonymous Japanese artist of the day-to-day activities the American sailors experienced in Shimoda, at work and at play.

To celebrate the restoration and new ownership of the collection, ASNC is co-sponsoring an event organized by the Japan Society that will feature a lively discussion about the Black Ship Scroll and early U.S.-Japan interactions. Abbot Daiei Matsui, a historian from Ryosenji Treasure Museum in Shimoda, and Melissa Rinne, Associate Curator of Japanese Art at the Asian Art Museum, will examine these images and discuss the depicted experiences between the American sailors and the people of Shimoda. The discussion will be moderated by Andrew Neuman, President of the Japan Society of Northern California.

Program agenda:

5:30-6:00 pm: Registration
6:00-7:30 pm: Presentation and discussion
7:30-8:00 pm: Reception