[A WORLD OF FACT AND FANTASY - LATE TOKUGAWA PERIOD MAP].

世界六大洲. [Sekai rokudaishū].<BR> [Six Continental Areas in the World].

[Japan]. (Circa 1850). Stock ID #220779

Colour woodblock map, 37.1 x 50.5cm, with inset colour woodblock illustrations, a prior owner's chops at the corners, light soiling and wear, a little worming and a few small stains on the printed surface, few small holes at folds, map has been backed with washi painted with kakishibu (persimmon) on which Chinese characters are written and the title label of the map attached. Despite these signs of age and use, this remains a charming map with considerable visual appeal and much intriguing detail.

This intriguing map brings together factual and imagined information in its depiction of six continental areas: Asia, Europe, Libya (Africa), North America, South America and Magellanica. Most likely published towards the end of the Edo period, circa 1850, the central map distinguishes the six continents by colour and labels. Japan occupies the centre, although Hokkaido is absent. Magellanica lies south of the equator, with a note stating that red-haired people (Europeans) took the land and named it New Holland. Vertical lines mark longitude, while horizontal lines resemble latitude, and cold, normal and warm zones are identified.

Illustrations above the map and in insets depict people from places including Holland, Ryukyu, China and Korea. Imagined countries also appear, among them the lands of Small and Big Peoples, located in northern Europe and southern South America respectively. Text on the right describes the continents.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 220779.

Price: $1,750.00 AU

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