[COLOURFUL JAPANESE MANUSCRIPT WORLD MAP].

坤輿畧圖. [Kon'yo ryakuzu].<BR> [Concise Map of the World].

[Japan]. Meiji Period. Stock ID #222287

Colour folding Japanese manuscript map, text in Japanese. 31.7 x 44cm. A few small marks, small holes at folds, edges worn, minor loss at folds along the margins, while used, the map is striking and attractive.

This fascinating manuscript world map depicts Japan within a broader world view, with particular attention to routes from Britain to Guangdong in China. Red dotted lines trace a sea route along the west coast of Africa, around the Cape of Good Hope and through Southeast Asia to China. A description in the upper left corner outlines an alternative route involving an overland journey via Cairo to the Red Sea, where travellers would board another vessel for China. It also gives the total distance of the journey. This route predates the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869.
The place names suggest a mid-19th-century date. Australia is labelled New Holland in the west and “New Wales” in the east, while the United States is identified as a republic, with no cities marked. Several Pacific islands and island groups are named, including the Caroline Islands, New Britain and the Solomon Islands, as are Borneo, Celebes and Luzon.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 222287.

Price: $750.00 AU

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