- 121
Japanese Astronomical chart--[Shibukawa Harumi or Shunsai]
Estimate
4,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- Tenmon Bunya no Zu, 天文分野之圖, (Map showing divisions of the heaven and regions they govern). 延宝, 丁巳, Enpô, year of the snake [1677]
- ink on paper
xylographic printed chart on mulberry paper (1100 x 570mm.), mounted on a modern paper scroll (1650 x 610mm.), preserved in a Japanese wooden box, slight abrasion to text at head
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
A LARGE AND RARE ASTRONOMICAL CHART WITH AN EXTENSIVE CHINESE EXPLANATORY TEXT BY JAPAN'S MOST FAMOUS ASTRONOMER, Shibukawa Harumi or Shunsai (1639-1715).
This circular star map is based on an ancient Korean star map of 1395, but Shibukawa added his own observations and completed it 'with Chinese field allocation astrology in which the terrestrial regions were associated with 9 celestial divisions based on various groupings of lunar lodges.' The rectangular space at the left centre gives the twenty-four fortnightly periods. Shibukawa was also the author (in 1684) of the first Japanese calendar independent from the Chinese calendar. This map is reproduced in K. Miyajima, Japanese Celestial Cartography (in History of Cartography, vol. II) and M. Sugimoto and D.L. Swain, Science and Culture in Traditional Japan, p.250.
This circular star map is based on an ancient Korean star map of 1395, but Shibukawa added his own observations and completed it 'with Chinese field allocation astrology in which the terrestrial regions were associated with 9 celestial divisions based on various groupings of lunar lodges.' The rectangular space at the left centre gives the twenty-four fortnightly periods. Shibukawa was also the author (in 1684) of the first Japanese calendar independent from the Chinese calendar. This map is reproduced in K. Miyajima, Japanese Celestial Cartography (in History of Cartography, vol. II) and M. Sugimoto and D.L. Swain, Science and Culture in Traditional Japan, p.250.