Elephant folio, six colour lithographed plates, printed in colours and finished by hand by G.W. Lewis (1), Sarony (4), and Boell and Michelin (1), all after Heine, plus printed title. Descriptions and titles to the six plates, within decorative border, including vignette scenery and portraits of places and people. Preserved in modern half dark morocco, blue cloth portfolio, with matching title label to upper cover. Heine was the official artist of Commodore M.C. Perry's expedition to Japan in 1853-54. Plates were issued loose (as here) or in book form. Heine produced six prints and used New York lithographers, Sarony, possibly the most skilled craftsmen in their profession in the USA at that time. This was the most significant diplomatic mission ever entrusted to an American Naval Officer: the negotiation of a treaty with Japan, a country sealed against contact again Western powers. The government proposed to send an imposing fleet to Japan, for Perry was to carry a letter from President Fillmore to the Emperor of Japan. The aim was to ensure the safety of the U.S. seamen in Japanese waters. The initial suggestion from the Japanese was that they should negotiate on the American ship. However, Perry insisted that they should land. They stayed for nine days in Yedo Bay before being allowed on shore, and documents were finally handed over on land in the village of Kurihama. Perry's insistence and careful planning have been considered the success of this mission was due to its insistence. Coloured plates in chronological order: 1. Title page. 2. Return of Commodore Perry Officers & Men of the Squadron from an official visit to the Prince Regent at Shui, Capitol of Lew-Chew, June 6th, 1853. 3. Passing the Rubicon. Lieut. Bent in the 'Mississippi's' First Cutter, forcing his way through a fleet of Japanese boats while surveying the Bay of Yedo, Japan, on July 11th, 1853. 4. First Landing of Americans in Japan, under Commodore M.C. Perry at Gore-Hama July 14th, 1853. 5. Landing of Commodore Perry, Officers & Men of the Squadron, to meet the Imperial Commissioners at Yoku-Hama, Japan, March 8th, 1854. 6. Landing of Commodore Perry, Officers & Men of the Squadron, to meet the Imperial Commissioners at Simoda, Japan, June 8th, 1854. 7. Exercise of Troops in Temple Grounds Simoda, Japan, in the presence of the Imperial Commissioners, June 8th, 1854.