Carte de l'Empire du Japon
1752.
Map. Copper engraving. Image measures 8.5" x 12.25".
Bellin made this beautiful map of Japan, according to its subtitle, "To serve as a General History of Voyages." It features remarkable detail. The index includes provinces, islands, towns, rivers, and islands. Topographical features such as mountains and forests are depicted pictorially. Aside from its lovely appearance, Bellin's map was also influential for its errors, such as its distortion of the Noto peninsula and exaggerated size of the Oki Islands. Sea of 'Coree' Korea, noted. A baroque cartouche with detailed scrollwork holds the title and scale. Text printed in the lower margin repeats the title in Dutch. The map is in good condition with some scattered foxing. Some faint offsetting, mainly in the sea. Jacques Nicolas Bellin (1703-1772) was the official hydrographer to the French king and the first person to hold the title of "Ingenieur de la Marine of the Depot des cartes et plans de la Marine" (chief engineer of the French Hydrographical Office). He was particularly well-known for his maps of the French Empire, especially the territories in North America. This map is a fine example of his detailed work. Illustrator: van der Schley, Jakob
Language: English
Price: $500.00
Item #329865