Uncommon Jansson Edition

"Iaponiae Nova Descriptio", Hondius/Jansson

This map of Japan and Korea is presented on the Ortelius/Teixeira model, which had been the standard for mapping the region since Ortelius first published Teixiera's map in 1595. The map shows Korea as an island which tapers to a point and a cluster of islands labeled Ilhas dos Ladrones (islands of thieves). A label on the island notes that it is not known if Korea is an island or a peninsula. Jodocus Hondius engraved the map initially in 1606 with the title simply Iaponia and a Korean junk sailing below Japan. Jansson made his mark on the map, which he re-engraved for his editions of the Mercator Atlas from 1636-1649, by changing the title and the ornamental features, including two decorative cartouches, two European ships, and a sea monster. Latin text on verso.

References: Hubbard #13.2; Walter #23; OAG #18; Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #8450:1A.2.

Condition: A

A crisp impression on watermarked paper with wide margins, light show-through of text on verso, a few insignificant spots, and minor toning along the centerfold, primarily confined to the top blank margin.