Art

A large and impressive map of Japan and its near neighbour Korea. A large and decorative title cartouche is complemented by rhumb lines, and an imperial boat sailing midway between the two countries. This vessel was apparently capable of traversing the distance of the 220 miles between the cities of Osaka and Nagasaki in only 12 days (Walter 43). Father Vincenzo Coronelli was a map Venetian map and globe maker in addition to being a Minorite Friar in Venice. He became cosmographer to the republic of Venice in 1685. Prior to this, between 1681 and 1683, Coronelli had been map maker royal to the French king Louis XIV in Paris. Coronelli was also famous for producing wonderful sets of gores for use on globes. He produced a spectacular pair of large scale globes for both the Duke of Parma and Louis XIV. 480 x 670 mm. Good condition, staining at centrefold. Very minor foxing.