Catalog Archive
Auction 119, Lot 789

"Iaponia", Hondius, Jodocus

Subject: Japan and Korea

Period: 1609 (circa)

Publication: Atlas Sive Cosmographia

Color: Hand Color

Size:
17.6 x 13.5 inches
44.7 x 34.3 cm
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Superb map of Japan based on the Ortelius/Teixeira model with Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku depicted with approximately the correct proportions. Korea is shown as an island, although Hondius added a notation to the effect that is was uncertain if the region was an island or a peninsula. The map is richly ornamented with two strapwork cartouches, a European and Japanese ship, and a sea monster. Hondius engraved this map for inclusion in his edition of Mercator's Atlas after he acquired Mercator's plates. It appeared in the editions of Atlas Sive Cosmographia from 1606 to 1636. French text on verso.

References: Walter OAG-12.

Condition: A

Truly beautiful impression. Near perfect save for a professionally repaired tear just into the border at the top.

Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000

Sold for: $2,200

Closed on 5/9/2007

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