Subject: Japan and Korea
Period: 1750 (dated)
Publication: Atlas Universel
Color: Hand Color
Size:
21 x 19 inches
53.3 x 48.3 cm
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.