This little map is important in the cartographic history of Japan because it presents a new form in the evolution of the European mapping of Japan. Duval altered the Blancus/Moreira type by changing Lake Biwa into a wide gulf, while Kyushu appears as a very rugged narrow island and Honshu takes on an exaggerated mushroom shape. This cartography was copied by several other cartographers, particularly in pocket atlases. This is a later state of the map with Korea acknowledged as being a peninsula. Pierre Duval was Nicolas Sanson's nephew and pupil. He published a wide range of atlases and individual maps including a fine miniature world geography with many of the maps based on Sanson.

References: Walter #48 & OAG-33; King (2nd ed) pp. 132-135; Pastoureau, Duval XI Fa.

Condition: B+

A nice impression on watermarked paper with attractive old color that has been partially refreshed and light toning along centerfold and sheet edges.