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ABRAHAM ORTELIUS (1527-1598), IAPONIAE INSULAE DESCRIPTIO

Creator: Abraham Ortelius
Offered by: Arader Galleries

Description
Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598)
Iaponiae Insulae Descriptio (Japan)
from Theatrum Orbis Terrarum
Published: Antwerp, 1595
Copper plate engraving with original hand-color
Plate mark: 14 x 19"
Paper size: 16 3/4 x 21 1/4"

A Landmark Map in the Cartography of Japan, from Ortelius’s Groundbreaking “Theatrum Orbis Terrarum”
The first map of Japan to be included in any European atlas, Ortelius’s Iaponiae is rightly celebrated for distinctive beauty as much as for outstanding discovery. Ortelius had received the prototype for Iaponiae along with a map of China in 1592 from Portuguese Jesuit and mathematician Luis Texeira, who was the cartographer to the court of the Spanish king. The foundational map in the cartography of Japan, Ortelius's Iaponiae formed the model for most European maps of the archipelago for the next forty years. This particular example is especially fine, for it is in flawless condition, with vivid original color.
The atlas published in 1570 by Abraham Ortelius was a watershed in the growth and illustration of geographical information. The Theatrum Orbis Terrarum was the first atlas in the modern sense of the word, as Ortelius compiled the best existing maps, re-engraved them on a standardized format, and included them with text in one volume. This was a landmark innovation, and the Theatrum was arguably the first printed production to have a major impact on the world perspective of contemporary Europeans.

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (similar item)
Period:	Pre 18th Century
Styles / Movements:	Asian, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	591179

Dimensions

W.	21.25 in;	H.	16.75 in;
W.	53.98 cm;	H.	42.55 cm;

Message from Seller:

Founded in 1971, Arader Galleries is the world's leading dealer and auction house of Rare Maps, Prints, Rare Books and Watercolors of the 16th through 19th centuries. Over our forty-five year history we have grown to five magnificent locations in some of America’s most vibrant cities and are represented at the most distinguished antiques shows in the country. We are proud to buy and sell more original Audubon prints that any other firm in the United States.