"Iapan I.", Mercator/Hondius

Superb small map derived from Hondius' folio map of Japan. It is based on the Ortelius/Teixeira type with Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku depicted with approximately the correct proportions. Meaco (Kyoto) is located in the center, and many other place names are noted. A deftly engraved strapwork title cartouche incorporates a compass rose. This example appeared in the English edition of Mercator's Atlas Minor, which was published under the title Historia Mundi or Mercators Atlas by Michael Spark and Samuel Cartwright. After acquiring the plates to the 1607 edition of the Mercator/Hondius Atlas Minor, Sparke republished the maps with text translated into English by Wye Saltonstall. English text on verso, published between 1635-39. The map is accompanied by two pages of additional text from the publication, describing Japan.

References: Hubbard #14; Van der Krogt (Vol. III) #8450:351; Walter #OAG 13.

Condition: A

A dark impression with a bit of show-through of text on verso and light toning confined to the margins.