''KARTE VON DEM REICHE JAPON…'' Jean Nicholas Bellin (hydrographer to Louis XV). Halle, Germany: from the German translation of Histoire Generale des Voyages by A. F. Prevost de Exiles, c. 1752. (Image : 8 1/2 x 12 1/4’’) Beautifully engraved map with original folds and later hand-coloring. (Reference: Prestel – Walter, Japan A cartographic Vision, p. 223).
Thisvery attractive historic map depicts Japan in the 1750’s. It is one of the best maps of Japan in the 18th century and is based on information from Kaempfer and Scheuchzer who travelled extensively in Japan. The present-day island of Kyushu is named Isle de Ximo; Shukoku is named I. de Xixoco; the major island of Honshu is named Isle de Nipon.
Harbors, cities, towns, bays, mountains, waterways and islands are located, although some are speculative. The title cartouche is embellished in a rococo style with leaves, flowers and scroll motifs.
Bellin (1703-72) was attached to the Depot de la Marine & charged with compiling charts of all the known seas. His work was of particular importance because it contained plans of maritime towns and harbors.
Shipped in archival 14x19'' mat