Catalog Archive
Auction 139, Lot 633

"L'Empire du Japon, Divise en Sept Principales Parties…", Robert de Vaugondy, Gilles

Subject: Japan and Korea

Period: 1750 (dated)

Publication: Atlas Universel

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21 x 19 inches
53.3 x 48.3 cm
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Large, finely engraved map of Japan with a distinctively French style title cartouche containing two small landscapes. The map draws heavily on the previous work of Bellin, but includes a number of improvements to Terre d'Yedso (Hokkaido) similar to the manuscripts of Engelbert Kaempfer. The fictitious island of Matsumae is removed and now Matsaki is shown as a part of Yedso. The provinces are clearly outlined and there are many place names. The eastern part of the Korean peninsula is also shown with a good amount of detail. The sea between Korea and Japan is named both the Mer de Coree and the Mer du Japon reflecting a compromise to the long-standing dispute over the name of this sea. This great map was to influence the cartography of Japan into the 19th century.

References: Walter #86, OAG #100; Pedley #410.

Condition: B

Original outline color that is slightly faded. There is an extraneous crease near the centerfold and a hint of offsetting in the title cartouche. Narrow bottom margin is trimmed just to the neatline at left with minute loss.

Estimate: $500 - $600

Sold for: $275

Closed on 2/15/2012

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