Catalog Archive
Auction 115, Lot 701

"Ciampagu [Iava Majjiore, Sondur, Condur on verso]", Bordone, Benedetto

Subject: Japan and Indonesia

Period: 1528-65 (published)

Publication: Isolario

Color: Black & White

Size:
5.7 x 3.2 inches
14.5 x 8.1 cm
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This is the earliest known printed map devoted to Japan. The map shows a single island with an east-west orientation and the position of a major city roughly where Kyoto or Osaka is located on the main island of Honshu. Since the map was based solely on the writings of Marco Polo, any approximation to reality is probably coincidence. The map is included in the middle of a page of Italian text. The verso contains an equally important early map of the East Indies showing three islands. This map is again based on the writings of Polo and while it names Java (Iava Majjiore), the location suggests a possible view of Borneo and confusion about the numerous islands of this region.

References: Walter #5 (OAG-1); Suarez (SEA) p. 120.

Condition: A

Couple of light stains in blank margins, well away from maps.

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,000

Sold for: $1,100

Closed on 6/21/2006

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