laraeprodigy
UNIT 3 Object Lesson: Clements Library
I’ll have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about the discussion visit to the Clements Library at first. I thought to myself, I’m in libraries enough for studying why the heck would I want to be in one for longer than I need to? However the visit to the Clements Library turned out to be a very enjoyable and educational trip.
The most intriguing objects I saw at that library were the prints of the Yokahama (sp?) Harbor and the influence it had on trade with Japan. There were two prints (only the Japanese one is pictured above), one American and one, Japanese. Both were visiually appealing, with detailed illustrations and color. The two prints differed by how each country portrayed the trading with one another. Of course the American one was illustrated more in their favor and vise versa. The American print especially showed United States military power. The Japanese print however displayed Japanese military power with the American’s bringing gifts, cannons surrounding the American fleets, and banners of Japanese warlords.
This ultimately brought up the idea of art/image having a powerful and significant influence on not only in historical aspects but how we see things today. I know that if I only saw one of the other prints my view on that particular event would’ve differed immensely.
The rest of the Clements library private collection of Asian history was very interesting. Besides the Yokahama Harbor prints I still wonder what the box said…(remember the guy who was speaking asked people to read this unknown box and whoever figured it out would get a prize) anyone know?
UNIT 3 Object Lesson: Clements Library
I’ll have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about the discussion visit to the Clements Library at first. I thought to myself, I’m in libraries enough for studying why the heck would I want to be in one for longer than I need to? However the visit to the Clements Library turned out to be a very enjoyable and educational trip.
The most intriguing objects I saw at that library were the prints of the Yokahama (sp?) Harbor and the influence it had on trade with Japan. There were two prints (only the Japanese one is pictured above), one American and one, Japanese. Both were visiually appealing, with detailed illustrations and color. The two prints differed by how each country portrayed the trading with one another. Of course the American one was illustrated more in their favor and vise versa. The American print especially showed United States military power. The Japanese print however displayed Japanese military power with the American’s bringing gifts, cannons surrounding the American fleets, and banners of Japanese warlords.
This ultimately brought up the idea of art/image having a powerful and significant influence on not only in historical aspects but how we see things today. I know that if I only saw one of the other prints my view on that particular event would’ve differed immensely.
The rest of the Clements library private collection of Asian history was very interesting. Besides the Yokahama Harbor prints I still wonder what the box said…(remember the guy who was speaking asked people to read this unknown box and whoever figured it out would get a prize) anyone know?