M-11579: ''IAPONIA…'' Amsterdam: Jodocus Hondius, c. 1606. Verso: French. Beautifully engraved map with skillful old hand-coloring. First state of the map, before the title was changed and the junk replaced with a galleon.

Image Size: 13.5 x 17.5 inches.

Reference: Cortazzi, "Isles of Gold", pl 26; Walter OAG-12

One of the earliest printed maps of Japan and Korea:  This elegant map of Japan is based on the Ortelius/Teixeira model with Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku depicted in more accurate proportions.

Although Korea is shown as an elongated island, Hondius added a notation that it was uncertain if the region was an island or part of the mainland.

The map is richly ornamented with two strap-work cartouches, a European and Japanese ship, and a sea monster. Hondius engraved this map for inclusion in his edition of Mercator's atlas after he acquired Mercator's plates. It appeared in the editions of Atlas Sive Cosmographia from 1606 to 1636. 

Shipped unmatted.

This is an original antique map, over 400 years old, not a reproduction. An attractive example in fine condition of one of the most decorative and sought-after 17th century maps of Japan and Korea - centerfold as issued - old paper repair at blank bottom margin, not affecting map.

It comes with a certificate of authenticity.