Japan--Ishikawa Ryûsen (active 1686-1715)

Woodblock-printed map of Japan (overall size 1040 x 1810mm.; print area 810 x 1675mm.), coloured by hand, made up of individual sheets, folding into original blue paper-covered boards decorated with plant motifs (270 x 185mm.), calligraphic title label, modern cloth chemise, edges worn, rubbed

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."

A SUPERB LARGE TRAVEL MAP OF JAPAN, innovative for the wealth of additional detail contained. Charted are the provinces of ancient Japan, its fortified towns, land and water routes, post stations and ferry crossings. The size of the map allowed the inclusion of travel itineraries for the main highways, shipping and sea routes, as well as images of temples, shrines and other places of interest. The area covered extends from Ryuku (Okinawa) in the south west to Tsushima in the north and Matsumae (Hokkaido) in the north east; Korea and the sea of Busan feature in the northwest. The principal nautical routes are indicated; a table in the upper margin gives distances from Nagasaki (then the only port open) to China (Nanjing & Fukien), Indonesia (Jakarta), Vietnam (Tonkin), Cambodia, and Thailand. Numerous ships, decoratively depicted, are shown sailing from the west to the southern seas. A striking feature of the map is the multiple squares in various sizes giving the locations of the castles of the Daimyo, or regional lords, sometimes with sketches of buildings and surrounds, and values of their fiefs with details of income from rice cultivation.