Dejima Collection

Nagasaki, Japan skyline at dusk

Nagasaki, Japan downtown skyline at dusk

Nagasaki, Japan skyline at night

Late 19th century photograph: Foreign settlement, Dejima, Nagasaki, Japan

Foreign settlement and Nagasaki harbour, Japan, c. 1880 s
Foreign settlement and Nagasaki harbour, Japan, c.1880 s

Vue de Decima, fac-simile d un plan hollandais, publie par Levyssohn, Bladen over Japan, 1852 (engraving)
2814589 Vue de Decima, fac-simile d un plan hollandais, publie par Levyssohn, Bladen over Japan, 1852 (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Vue de Decima)

The Island of Decima, in the Bay of Nagasaki (engraving)
1102836 The Island of Decima, in the Bay of Nagasaki (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Island of Decima, in the Bay of Nagasaki)

The island of Deshima, c. 1833-46 (silk painting)
2909651 The island of Deshima, c.1833-46 (silk painting) by Kawahara Keiga (b.1786, c.1860); 51.3x75.5 cm; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Children swimming, Dejima, Nagasaki, Japan, circa 1890 - Dejima was the site of the first foreign settlement in Japan. Date: circa 1890

Dejima, the foreign settlement in Nagasaki, Japan, circa 1880s. Date: circa 1880s

Dejima, foreign settlement, Nagaskai, Japan

Bunkindo print of foreign ships in the port of Nagasaki, 1800-50 (woodblock print)
XOS2909654 Bunkindo print of foreign ships in the port of Nagasaki, 1800-50 (woodblock print) by Japanese School, (19th century); 18.4x26.4 cm; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Dutch VOC employee in Nagasaki, c. 1700 (colour woodblock print)
XOS2909652 Dutch VOC employee in Nagasaki, c.1700 (colour woodblock print) by Japanese School, (18th century); 44.5 u32 cm; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Nagasaki Harbour, c. 1800-50 (silk painting)
XOS2909650 Nagasaki Harbour, c.1800-50 (silk painting) by Kawahara Keiga (b.1786, c.1860); 75.5x48.6 cm; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Dutch VOC employees being served a meal by Javanese servants at Deshima, 1790-1810
XOS1765779 Dutch VOC employees being served a meal by Javanese servants at Deshima, 1790-1810 (colour woodblock print) by Japanese School, (18th century); 30x38.4 cm; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

JAPAN: DUTCH TRADERS. Dutch traders dining in their settlement on the island of Dejima, Nagasaki Bay, Japan. Scroll painting, Japanese, early 18th century

Japan / Nagasaki / Desima
Nagasaki: Desima Island, a trade centre on an artificial island in Nagasaki Bay

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Dejima: A Window into Japan's Foreign Connections Step back in time to the late 19th century with a captivating photograph of Dejima, a foreign settlement nestled in Nagasaki, Japan. This unique island served as a crucial link between Japan and the outside world during an era of isolation. As you explore historical engravings and silk paintings depicting Dejima, it becomes evident that this tiny landmass played a significant role in shaping international relations. The bustling Nagasaki harbor surrounding Dejima was witness to countless interactions between cultures, fostering trade and exchange. Vue de Decima, fac-simile d'un plan hollandais published by Levyssohn offers us a glimpse into the layout of this intriguing settlement. Known as "The Island of Decima, " it stood proudly amidst the Bay of Nagasaki like a bridge connecting two worlds. Children swimming off the shores circa 1890 reminds us that even within this foreign enclave, life continued with its own rhythm. These young souls embraced their surroundings despite being surrounded by unfamiliar faces and customs. Dutch VOC employees from centuries past come alive through vivid woodblock prints. Their presence serves as a testament to the enduring connection between nations long before globalization became commonplace. Dejima stands as an emblematic symbol of cultural integration and understanding. It represents both Japan's willingness to engage with foreign powers and their desire for self-preservation during times when isolationism prevailed. Intriguingly captured in photographs from around 1880s-1890s, we witness glimpses of daily life within this vibrant community—a melting pot where diverse nationalities coexisted harmoniously against all odds. Bunkindo's print showcasing foreign ships docked at Nagasaki port (1800-1850) transports us back to an era when maritime trade flourished under Dejima's watchful eye—an economic lifeline for both local merchants and foreign traders.