Sheet music for a polka composed by Charles Grobe and depicting a full-length, seated portrait of Tateishi Onojirô, a member of the Japanese Embassy that traveled to the United States in 1860 to ratify the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, also known as the Harris Treaty. Shows the teenage Onojirô, wearing his hair tied back and attired in a kimono and shoes, sitting in a wooden chair and looking directly at the viewer. He holds a sword in its scabbard tied to his waist with his left hand and holds another sword in his right hand which points down to the floor. In the right is a side table covered in a floral print tablecloth and with a vase of flowers and a Japanese kasa (hat). Tateishi Onojirô, whom the media called “Tommy” was the youngest member of the ambassadorial delegation and served as an interpreter-in-training accompanying his adoptive father, formal interpreter Tateishi Tokujûrô., Composed by Charles Grobe., Copyright statement: Entered according to Act of Congress A.D. 1860 by Lee & Walker at the Clerk’s Office of the Dt. Ct. of the En. Dt. of Pa., Polka dance for piano., Dedication: To Tateish Onogero (or Tommy) of the Japanese Embassy., First line of text: Wives and maids by scores are flocking, Round that charming, little man, Known as Tommy, witty Tommy, Yellow Tommy, from Japan., Number 4 in 5 pointed star on lower right of the title page; Op: 1211; Publisher's Plate # 8085.4., Sold by: James E. Lent, Music Store, 359 Fulton St., Brooklyn, Stoddard Pianofortes for Sale or Rent., Retrospective conversion record: original entry.
Creator
Grobe, Charles, 1817-1880
Date
1860
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Books Rare Sheet Music Tom 8530.F
