[MAPS] 万国地誌略諳射訳図 (萬國地誌略諳射譯圖)(萬國地誌畧諳射譯圖) [Bankoku Chishiryaku Ansha Yakuzu]

Complete set of 6 copperplate engraved maps with hand colouring. Maps 1-4 published by 岡安慶介 (Okayasu Keisuke) [1878] (Meiji 11); Maps 5 & 6 published by 桑原伊之助 (Kuwabara Inosuke) [1880] (Meiji 13). 1. Asia, the Middle East, and Russia east of the Urals (340 x 400 mm); 2. Africa (310 x 260 mm); 3. Europe, with Russia west of the Urals (340 x 390 mm); 4. North America, Central America, and the Caribbean (370 x 340 mm); 5. South America (350 x 280 mm); 6. Australia, New Zealand, and the island nations of Southeast Asia (310 x 330 mm); each map folding to 150 x 100 mm, and with its original yellow covers with title slip; the 6 maps in very good condition, with an early owner’s occasional brushed red and black script next to some of the place names; the folded maps are housed in the original paper case, 155 x 110 mm, as issued.

These Meiji era maps would have been largely based on contemporary western sources, the influences of which are evident in the use of latitude and longitude, as well as in some of the place names (for example, China is labeled Shina [支那] instead of by the dynastic name as had been Japanese cartographic practice). All six maps are reasonably accurate for each region, down to the major mountains and rivers. The map of Australia shows each colony in a different colour; a large part of the northern portion of South Australia is in a different colour and labeled Alexandra Land, while the top end is separately delineated as Arnhem Land. The map of America also shows each state in a different colour.

Complete sets are held in the National Diet Library of Japan and the National Library of Australia.