Illustrated Account of a Journey to the West

Fascinated by European art the painter Shiba Kokan was a pioneer of Western-style painting and engraving. In 1787 he undertook a journey to the Dutch trading post on Dejima. He incorporated his observations and experiences in a book with illustrations of the interiors of the houses on the island. Here we see spittoons placed beside every chair.

Illustrated Account of a Journey to the West

Fascinated by European art the painter Shiba Kokan was a pioneer of Western-style painting and engraving. In 1787 he undertook a journey to the Dutch trading post on Dejima. He incorporated his observations and experiences in a book with illustrations of the interiors of the houses on the island. Here we see spittoons placed beside every chair.