Germany · 17th century
€ 290
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
The sheet remains in good antique condition with age-related toning and minor wear at the edges. Light occasional foxing and handling marks consistent with age. A strong dark impression with attractive paper tone.
Rare 1683 Mallet Miniature Map of Japan “Iaponia” with German Text
An exceptionally charming and historically important 17th-century miniature map of Japan engraved by the celebrated French cartographer Alain Manesson Mallet and published in his influential work Description de l’Univers, first issued in Paris in 1683. This finely engraved map depicts Japan under the title “Iaponia” and reflects one of the earliest European geographic interpretations of the Japanese archipelago during the Edo period.
The map shows the principal islands and regions of Japan as understood by European geographers of the late 17th century, including Saikok (Kyushu), Xicoco (Shikoku), Quanto (Kanto), Ochio, and other historical provinces. Major cities including Meaco (Kyoto) and Jedo (Edo / Tokyo) are identified in the accompanying German text beneath the map. The text explains the division of Japan into regional territories and references the imperial residence, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Western knowledge of East Asia.
A particularly appealing feature is the small engraved vignette beneath the text depicting a Japanese acrobat or jongleur. This whimsical ethnographic detail is highly characteristic of Mallet’s work, which combined geography, travel knowledge, costume imagery, and depictions of local customs into visually engaging compositions. Such decorative and ethnographic elements make Mallet’s maps especially sought after among collectors of early Asia-related cartography.
The engraving possesses a refined Baroque aesthetic with elegant lettering, compact composition, and strong decorative appeal despite its modest size. Small-format maps such as this display exceptionally well when framed with a generous mat, transforming the piece into an attractive cabinet-sized work suitable for libraries, studies, collectors’ walls, or sophisticated interiors focused on travel, cartography, or Asian history.
This is an original 17th-century copperplate engraving, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The piece is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale with the original.
Keywords: Japan, Iaponia, Nippon, Edo, Kyoto, Jedo, Meaco, Shikoku, Kyushu, Kanto, Alain Manesson Mallet, Mallet map, Description de l’Univers, Japanese cartography, Asia map, miniature map, 17th century Japan, antique Japan map, Tokugawa Japan, early map of Japan, Baroque cartography, German text map, ethnographic engraving, Japanese acrobat, cabinet map, copperplate engraving, antique Asian map
Condition report:
The sheet remains in good antique condition with age-related toning and minor wear at the edges. Light occasional foxing and handling marks consistent with age. A strong dark impression with attractive paper tone.
Framing tips:
This miniature map displays exceptionally well in a dark walnut, black lacquer, or lightly gilt frame paired with a generous ivory or oatmeal mat. Because of its small scale and fine engraved detail, museum-style presentation with wide margins greatly enhances its decorative impact.
Technique: Copperplate engraving
Maker: Alain Manesson Mallet, Paris, circa 1683
