[Japan] Nova et Accurata Iaponiæ, Terræ Esonis ac Insularum adjacentium

Book Description

[Amsterdam]: Jansson, [n.d. but circa 1659]. Hand-coloured copper engraved map in excellent condition. 19 3/4 x 23 1/2 inches. A handsome early Dutch map of Japan This map of Japan was Jansson's second. It represents a considerable improvement on the first, (1646), which was a re-issue of Luis Teixeira's 1595 map. Jansson's 1659 map adds to Teixeira's knowledge the discoveries of Martin Vries, a Dutch explorer, who set out in 1643, and revelations found in Father Martino Martini's map of 1649, who seems to have had access to Chinese maps that depicted China, Korea and Japan. Thus, the islands of Japan including Hokkaido (then called Eso) began to come into focus and their true form. Much remained to be learned. The Japanese themselves were only dimly aware of Hokkaido, and its insularity and shape were only discovered much later. The great landmass to the east, "Compagniesland", which seems to be an early representation of Alaska, was an island east of Hokkaido, named and noted by Vries, who himself promoted the hypothesis that Compagniesland was North America. The map is in flawless condition with original outline colour. There is a handsome cartouche with five well drawn Japanese gentlemen. Cortazzi, p. 46, pl. 70; Walter, Japan A Cartographic Vision , p. 86; Howgego V63 (Vries), M64 (Martini); Van der Krogt 8450:1B

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