Rare Old Map of Japan and Korea by Visscher, 1690: Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Pyongyang, Mount Fuji

Immerse yourself in the rich history and intricate details of the 'Nova et accurata Iaponiae Terrae Esonis, ac Insularum adjacentium : ex Novißima detectione descriptio', a captivating map crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. Translated into English, the title reveals the scope of this exquisite piece: 'New and accurate description of the Land of Japan, and the adjacent islands: from the most recent discovery'. This map offers a unique perspective of Japan and Korea during the late 17th century, providing an intriguing insight into the political and geographical landscape of the era.

The map showcases a number of significant cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, and Pyongyang, each marked with meticulous precision. It also highlights the majestic Mount Fuji, a prominent symbol of Japan. These landmarks and urban centers offer a glimpse into the cultural and historical significance of the regions, providing a fascinating backdrop for explorers and history enthusiasts alike.

Visscher's map is not just a geographical guide, but a work of art. Hand colored in outline, it displays political and administrative boundaries, cities, towns, waterways, canals, and mountains with stunning clarity. The decorative cartouche and compass rose add an element of artistic flair, while the pictorial relief offers a three-dimensional perspective, enhancing the map's visual appeal.

Moreover, this map encapsulates the spirit of the Dutch Golden Age, a period renowned for its advancements in cartography. Nicolaes Visscher II, the creator of this map, hails from a lineage of esteemed mapmakers. His grandfather, Claes Janszoon Visscher, was one of the leading figures in the field. Thus, this map not only represents a geographical depiction of Japan and Korea, but also serves as a testament to the Visscher family's significant contribution to the world of cartography.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Japan:

1. Tokyo - Known as Edo during the map's creation, it was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate, a feudal regime ruling from 1603 to 1868.
2. Osaka - A historically significant city, it was the site of the famous Siege of Osaka in 1614-1615.
3. Sapporo - Known as Ainu in the 17th century, it was inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people.
4. Kyoto - The former imperial capital of Japan, known for its classical Buddhist temples and gardens.
5. Yokohama - Known as a small fishing village during the Edo period.
6. Nagoya - An important hub of the Japanese economy, its castle was a significant center of power.
7. Hiroshima - A historically rich city, known for its castles and shrines.
8. Fukuoka - An important harbor city, it was a significant center for diplomatic relations with the Asian mainland.
9. Kobe - Known for its port, one of the oldest in Japan.
10. Sendai - Known as the City of Trees, it was the largest city in the Tōhoku region.
11. Nara - The ancient capital of Japan, it is home to many historic temples and artworks.
12. Nagasaki - An important port city, it was a center of Portuguese and Dutch influence.
13. Kanazawa - Known for its well-preserved Edo-era districts.
14. Okayama - Known for its black castle and the historic Korakuen Garden.
15. Niigata - A port city known for its trade relations with Russia and mainland Asia.

Korea:

1. Pyongyang - The capital city, it was a significant center of power for the Joseon dynasty.
2. Seoul - Known as Hanyang during the Joseon dynasty, it was the capital city.
3. Busan - A coastal city, it was an important center for trade and diplomacy.
4. Incheon - Known for its port, it was a significant gateway to the Korean peninsula.
5. Daegu - A city known for its thriving silk industry.
6. Gwangju - Known for its rich cultural history.
7. Suwon - Home to the World Heritage–listed fortress Hwaseong.
8. Changwon - Known for its naval base and trade relations with Japan.
9. Jeonju - Known for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses.
10. Cheongju - Known for its historic temples and artifacts.
11. Yeosu - A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and seafood.
12. Jeju City - Located on Jeju Island, it was known for its unique culture and language.
13. Gangneung - Known for its beautiful beaches and annual Danoje festival.
14. Pohang - A coastal city known for its steel industry.
15. Gyeongju - Known as the museum without walls, it was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla.

Notable Natural Phenomena:

• The majestic Mount Fuji in Japan, a prominent symbol of the country.
• The Baekdudaegan mountain range in Korea, a significant natural and spiritual symbol.
• The Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia.
• The Yellow Sea, a marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean.
• The Sea of Japan, separating the Asian mainland from the Japanese archipelago.

Historical Events (1600-1690):

• The Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, which paved the way for the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan.
• The Imjin War (1592-1598), a massive conflict involving Korea, China, and Japan.
• The Shimabara Rebellion (1637–1638), a revolt in southwestern Japan by persecuted Christians against the Tokugawa shogunate.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps of Europe and European cities to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.