Seutter's Decorative Map of Japan Based on Kaempfer

"Regni Japoniae Nova Mappa Geographica, ex Indigenarum Observationibus Delineata ab Engelberto Kaempfero Recusa et Emendata", Seutter/Lotter

This beautifully engraved and colored map owes its cartography to Kaempfer's map from his important History of Japan (Walter #77), which in turn was based on his travels in the late 17th century and his manuscript map, drawn sometime prior to 1716. The map presents a distorted outline for the island of Japan with numerous political divisions delineated and named. Below the map are numerous Japanese symbols including those of the army of Japan's "Prince." The entire upper left quadrant is filled with a spectacular title cartouche showing a court scene with visiting Europeans, a map, and other attendants. Among the scene is an illustration of Kaempfer himself etching his map of Japan. Engraved by Tobias Conrad Lotter and published from Augsburg.

References: Walter #80.

Condition: B

A nice impression in contemporary color with some short cracks due to oxidation that have been fully backed on verso with tissue. There are wormtracks around the centerfold that have also been archivally repaired along with light soiling.