Very rare complete copy of an account of the diplomatic mission of Baron Gros to Japan in 1858 by the diplomat Charles de Chassiron. The Notes are almost a literal transcription of the journal Chassiron kept during the trip. His account is important for the history of Franco-Japanese relations and gives an eyewitness report.
Baron Charles Gustave Martin de Chassiron (1818-1871) was a French diplomat, who travelled to China and Japan as one of the two "attachés" of the French Embassy under Baron Gros. During his travels in Asia, he built a large collection of Japanese and Chinese artifacts, which are now displayed at the Orbigny-Bernon Museum in La Rochelle. Jean-Baptiste-Louis Gros (known as Baron Gros, 1798-1870), was a French diplomat and later senator, as well as a notable pioneer of photography. He served as Ambassador to London (1852-1863), travelling extensively, including to China and Japan in 1857 and 1858. He was an ambassador during the Anglo-French expedition to China (1856-1860). On 9 October 1858, the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between France and Japan was concluded at Edo (Tokyo), to which he was a signatory - this treaty established diplomatic relations between the two imperial nations.
With a manuscript dedication by the author on the verso of the half-title-page ("A monsieur Ingelmann (or Engelmann?) Avec mes compliments Chassiron Paris le 28 Jannvier 1862") and a manuscript owner's inscription in purple pencil on the recto of the second free flyleaf ("André Bottin"). The bookblock has separated from the binding, some slight foxing to the first few leaves, the edges of the leaves are somewhat browned, the map and folding plates are browned, the bottom margin of the final folding plate is slightly damaged (with some loss of material) without affecting the illustration. Otherwise in good condition. Cordier, Japonica, 549; Numa Broc, Asie, 89-90.