Some Information Included in Forthcoming Tenth Book: Japan's Influence on Design in the Beverly and Salem, Mass. Area After 1860

This is another subject that will be included in my forthcoming two-volume, tenth book, titled, An Early Industry of Household Wares: The Red Earthenware of Salem Village, Danvers, Peabody, Beverly and Salem, Massachusetts: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2026/01/update-on-new-book-forthcoming-two.html.

"...There was no significant trade between Japan and America before 1853 because Japan enforced a strict isolationist policy (Sakoku) for over 200 years under the Tokugawa Shogunate, limiting foreign contact to only the Dutch and Chinese in Nagasaki to prevent foreign influence, Christianity, and challenges to their rule, a policy challenged by America's growing Pacific presence and need for coaling stations for steamships. The Tokugawa Shogunate (1603–1867) was Japan's last feudal military government, established by Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) after a century of civil war, ushering in over 250 years of peace and stability known as the Edo Period, characterized by centralized rule, strict social hierarchy (samurai, farmer, artisan, merchant), isolationist policies (Sakoku), flourishing urban life, and cultural developments, before its overthrow by the Meiji Restoration in 1868.

Trade between America and Japan began after Commodore Matthew Perry's (1794-1858) 1853 expedition forced Japan out of isolation, leading to the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854 which opened ports, and was further formalized by the 1858 Treaty of Amity and Commerce, establishing formal commercial ties for American merchants.

After 1860, Japan's opening to trade spurred a "Japanism" craze in places like Beverly and Salem, Massachusetts, which fueled cultural exchange and artistic inspiration (Japanism) through imported prints and goods, even as Salem's deep-water port decline limited direct large-scale commerce, leading to growth in educational ties and cultural fascination rather than primary economic dominance, solidifying Massachusetts' early interest in Japan.

This created a niche market for importers and retailers, and it also influenced some production at Charles A. Lawrence’s (1829-1904) Pottery in Beverly in the late nineteenth century, which is discussed in Chapter 20 in Volume II of this book..."

Note: For more information about Japanese inspired pottery made at the C.A. Lawrence Pottery - see my first published book, title, The Beverly Pottery: The Wares of Charles A. Lawrence: https://historicbeverly.net/product/the-beverly-pottery-the-wares-of-charles-a-lawrence/.

Also see a feature story I wrote that was published on page 28-29 in the January 10, 2025 issue of Antiques And The Arts Weekly, titled, Japanese Design Influence On Painted Red Earthenware In Late Nineteenth Century Beverly, Mass.: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2025/01/new-published-feature-story-in-antiques_5.html.

Some Information Included in Forthcoming Tenth Book

(Left) Japanese Water Drop Earthenware Teapot Sherds

Recovered in Circa 1870 Archaeological Contexts in Essex County, Mass.

Top was Recovered in Salem, Mass.

Bottom was Recovered in Newbury, Mass.

(Right) Late 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Painted with Japanese Type Design

Made at the C.A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Mass.

See Article for More information

Photo Courtesy: National Park Service, Boston University and Historic Beverly

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...