1603 Japoniae Insulae Descriptio Ludoico Teisera Auctore
By: Abraham Ortelius
Date: 1603 (published) Antwerp
Dimensions: 19 x 14 inches (48.25 x 35.5 cm)
This is a marvelous example of Ortelius's paramount map of Japan and Korea. The map was the first large scale example of the Islands of Japan to be published in a European atlas (Theatrum Orbis Terrarum). This particular specimen is out of the first state to feature Latin text on the verso published in 1603. Much of the information used by Ortelius was derived from a Portuguese cartographer and mathematician Ludovico Teixeira. While Teixeira had never been to Japan his sources must have been reputable since numerous place names are labeled throughout and the map displays an impressive amount of geographic accuracy for its time. Korea however is depicted as an island with only two towns and a southern point labeled Punta dos Ladrones. Three sailing ships decorative cartouches and lovely original color bring out the aesthetic elements of this landmark map which became the basis for nearly all maps of Japan for over 50 years.
Condition: Map is in A+ condition with rich old coloring and wide margins.
Inventory #18430
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