Isles Du Japon

Paris: Denys Thierry, 1683. unbound. Miniature map. Hand colored copper plate engraving. Image measures 5.5" x 4".

Beautiful 17th century map of Japan, showing the islands of Niphon, Ximo and Xicoco. Part of Hokkaido, shown here as "Terre de Iesso", is also shown. Major cities and smaller islands are labeled, and mountains are depicted pictorially. In good condition, framed by a beautiful French matting with yellowing to bevel.

Allain Manesson-Mallet (1630-1706) advanced from his position of musket bearer under Louis XIV to eventually occupy the position of "maitre de mathematiques" to the French King. He was the author and engraver (truncated) of "Description de L'Univers," a five-volume survey of the world that included maps of the ancient and modern world, star maps, illustrations of flora and fauna, and information on the customs, religion and government of the many nations included in the text. When it was published, the text was the largest and most comprehensive work of its type. Intended to entertain its readers, Mallet's "Description" is a time capsule of the 17th-century world. (Inventory #: 328206)