The Gastropolitics of the 1853-54 Perry Mission to Japan with Christine Guth
Next week, History of Art & Architecture will co-sponser an event with the BU Center for the Study of Asia and the American New England Studies Program. Christine M.E. Guth will present “The Gastropolitics of the 1853-54 Perry Mission to Japan,” in discussion with HAA Professor Alice Tseng.
Little scholarly attention has been given to the role of reciprocal banqueting in the political strategies deployed by the negotiating teams during the 1853-54 Perry expeditions to Japan. This paper addresses this oversight, arguing that American and Japanese officials both understood the importance of political theater and used lavish banquets and gifts of food as part of their efforts to impress their counterparts with their power, wealth, and civility.
The talk will take place on Wednesday, April 26th from 5:30pm-7:00pm at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, 121 Bay State Road.