On their journey to the court, the Dutch took gifts to the Shogun, Japan’s military ruler. The Shogun had a list drawn up of the objects he wished to receive. This picture features a Persian horse as an example of a Dutch gift. In the first half of the 18th century many exotic animals were brought to Japan, including hounds, horses, birds, camels and even an elephant. Most of these animals later became pets or served as attractions.
1765<div style="display: none;">date QS:P571,+1765-00-00T00:00:00Z/9</div>
This digital media file - and/or the physical objects depicted on it - originates from the digital and/or physical collections of the <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.kb.nl/">Koninklijke Bibliotheek</a>, national library of the Netherlands.