Engelbert Kaempfer’s 17th century sojourn to Japan
Mar 30th, 2016 by bachmann
Engelbert Kaempfer (1651 – 1716) was a noted scientist, physician to the Dutch East India Company, and an enthusiastic traveler known for his tour of Russia, Persia, India, South-East Asia, and Japan between 1683 and 1693. He wrote two books about his travels, Amoenitatum Exoticarum, which was valued for his medical and botanical observations throughout Asia. His second, and more famous book, History of Japan, was published posthumously in 1727. It remains a primary resource on Japanese life, culture, and society, during a period when the country was closed to foreigners. From 1641-1853, Japan adopted a policy of seclusion and closed its ports for trade. The Dutch East India Company established a trading post, named Deshima, by exploiting a man-made island in the bay of Nagasaki so as to comply with the strict Japanese trade policy. Kampfer came to this “port” and stayed for two years, where he had the opportunity to visit Edo and study the local flora. His diplomatic skills and medical expertise enabled him to gain further access than most. His contributions to the West were not just his new discoveries, but his detailed descriptions and drawings of some 400 plants. He is the first westerner to bring Ginko seeds back to Europe, collect information on the practice of acupuncture and moxibustion, and document the cultivation, preparation, and ceremonies for tea. Upon his return to Germany in 1693 he published Amoenitatum Exoticarum. His extensive manuscripts regarding Japan remained unpublished until they were obtained by Sir Hans Sloane, after Kaempfer’s death. In 1727, the first edition of Kaempfer’s comprehensive account of Japan appeared in English as The History of Japan. This edition was followed in 1729 by translations in both Dutch and French.
Acupuncture diagram showing the needles in their case, the instrument to guide the needles, and a model
Two schematics indicating parts of the human body for an application of Moxa to stimulate circulation and good health
A view of the two Courts of Berklam’s Temple in Thailand
Depiction of an audience chamber in Edo, where visitors are met. Musical instruments used during perfomances, provide a decorative border for the plate
Darma, with instruments for storing, making, and drinking tea
- Description:
- Kaempfer, Engelbert. Histoire naturelle, civile, et ecclésiastique de l’empire du Japon. A La Haye : Chez P. Gosse, & J. Neaulme, MDCCXXIX.
- Persistent Link:
- http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:FHCL:14292228
- Repository:
- Widener Library
- Institution:
- Harvard University