Enlightened Encounters

Enlightened Encounters

Enlightened Encounters

Caption: Shuntei Katsukawa, Shinagawa Oki no Kujira Takanawa yori Mita Zu [Seeing the whale in Shinagawa Bay at Takanawa]. Woodblock print triptych on paper, c. 1798.

East Meets West

International Gallery

Opened: October 8, 2017

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Enlightened Encounters: The Two Nations of Manjiro Nakahama explores the remarkable life and influence of Manjiro Nakahama (1827-1898), the first Japanese person to live in and learn English in the U.S. after his rescue at sea in 1841 by the John Howland, a New Bedford whaleship.

The exhibition is timed to celebrate the 2017 centennial of the America-Japan Society, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the relationship between America and Japan. It is also the 190th anniversary of Manjiro’s birth and the 30th anniversary of the Sister City agreement between Fairhaven/ New Bedford, and Manjiro’s home town of Tosashimizu.

Kuniyoshi, Miyamoto Musashi and the Whale. Print, ca 1848-1852. 2001.100.6667

Kuniyoshi, Catching Whales at Goto and Hirado and Kishu. Reverse printed woodblock, ca. 1840. 2001.100.6668

Shuntei Katsukawa, Shinagawa Oki no Kujira Takanawa yori Mita Zu [Seeing the whale in Shinagawa Bay at Takanawa]. Woodblock print triptych on paper, c. 1798. 2001.100.6683