Title: President Buchanan and the Japanese Embassy

Description: President Buchanan and the Japanese ambassadors as they exchange the treaty that began relations between Japan and the United States. Gifts of silks, swords, decorated screens, lacquer boxes, and tables were displayed at the White House until being donated to the Smithsonian. The Japanese were confused at the informality of the American government and society, but were fascinated by gaslight, mirrors, running water, steam power, and the military equipment at the Navy Yard.

Date: 1860

Creator: Unknown

Credit: The White House