Catalog Archive
Auction 99, Lot 453

"Imperium Japonicum in sexaginta et octo Provincias divisum Ex ipsorum Japonensium mappis & Observationibus Kaempferianis, qua fieri licuit fide & cura descriptum", Kaempfer/Scheuchzer

Subject: Japan

Period: 1727 (published)

Publication: History of Japan

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.2 x 17.7 inches
51.3 x 45 cm
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This superb map was prepared by Johann Caspar Scheuchzer from the maps brought back from Japan by Engelbert Kaempfer. The map presents a radically different view from the preceding cartography of Japan with its northerly oriented Tohoku and overall squat shape. The empire is divided into 68 provinces, each named in Roman and Japanese characters. Two insets provide different versions of northern Japan and its relationship with the Asian continent. Scheuchzer selected the map's decorative elements from Kaempfer's manuscript including a Japanese compass and three gods of fortune. The map is dedicated to Hans Sloane in the bottom cartouche. This is not the more common Ottens or Seutter issue.

References: Walter #76A.

Condition: A+

Superb impression. Paper expertly added at binding side to complete margin.

Estimate: $3,000 - $3,500

Sold for: $2,100

Closed on 6/12/2002

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