In an elaborate oval border the word "Japon" is written with a short text on Japan. A charming piece of mid-nineteenth century calligraphy.
The texts translates as:
The Japanese seem to descend from a Chinese colony but they are more civilised and have more experience in the arts. The peoples have nearly always enjoyed a profound peace; they never admit foreigners into their country. Only the Dutch are being received in Nagasaki, once a year. In 1618 there were over four hundred thousand Christians: but the most awful persecution killed nearly all of them and during 30 years iron and fire was used against them.