Catalog Archive
Auction 153, Lot 667

Hondius' Richly Ornamented Map of Japan

"Iaponia", Mercator/Hondius

Subject: Japan & Korea

Period: 1623 (published)

Publication: Gerardi Mercatoris - Atlas sive Cosmographicae

Color: Hand Color

Size:
17.6 x 13.6 inches
44.7 x 34.5 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. Latin text on verso.

References: Walter #22; Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #8450:1A.1.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with attractive color and original margins. There is a soft crease adjacent to centerfold and light, scattered foxing primarily confined to the blank margins. A tear in top blank margin has been archivally repaired.

Estimate: $1,900 - $2,200

Unsold

Closed on 5/20/2015

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