"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:

21.1 x 19 inches
53.6 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: Hubbard #101; Pedley #410; Walter #86.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with contemporary outline color on a lightly toned sheet with the watermark of "B. Richard Fin 1742." There are a few small spots of foxing, a dampstain at bottom center, and a couple of short edge tears that have been closed on verso.