Catalog Archive
Auction 175, Lot 590

"L'Empire du Japon, Divise en Sept Principales Parties, et Subdivise en Soixante et Six Royaumes", Robert de Vaugondy, Gilles

Subject: Japan & Korea

Period: 1750 (dated)

Publication: Atlas Universel

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.3 x 19 inches
54.1 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. This is the second state with a border around the distance scales, published circa 1753.

References: Hubbard #101; Walter plate #86; Pedley #410.

Condition: A

On a thick sheet of watermarked paper with a hint of toning along the centerfold and a few printer's creases. There are minor paper repairs in the far blank margins, not affecting the map.

Estimate: $550 - $700

Sold for: $300

Closed on 11/13/2019

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