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One of the First European Views of Tokyo
Tokyo.
AA, VAN DER P./ MONTANUS, P. [Leiden, 1720]
Iedo Capitale du Iapon.
11 x 29 7/8 inches
Fine hand color; excellent condition.
A sweeping panoramic view of Tokyo, one the first images of the city published in Europe. A procession of noble personages and their retainers is illustrated in the foreground. Although the view is said to be largely imaginary by some authorities, it nevertheless identifies 62 structures (in both French and Dutch) that are keyed to the view. The same image, perhaps from the same plate but with a different title (see Cortazzi), was first published in Montanus’ book on Japan in 1669.
Cf. Cortazzi, H. Isles of Gold, pl. 72, pp. 142-43. |
