Mallet Map of Hokkaido by Alain Manesson, 1685

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This engraved seventeenth-century map, titled Terre de Iesso, was published in 1685 as part of Alain Manesson Mallet’s de l’Univers. … Read more This engraved seventeenth-century map, titled Terre de Iesso, was published in 1685 as part of Alain Manesson Mallet’s de l’Univers. Printed in Paris and Frankfurt by Zunner, this map presents a European interpretation of northern Japan, particularly Hokkaido, referred to as Iesso, along with the speculative lands of Company’s Land and Terre des États.

Condition Report: The paper is well-preserved, with a fine laid texture characteristic of seventeenth-century printing. The engraving remains sharp, with clear lettering and precise details of ships, coastlines, and mountainous terrain. There is light age-toning, particularly along the edges, which is expected for a map of this period. The original hand-coloring remains vibrant, with carefully applied shading distinguishing different territories. Some minor text bleed-through is visible from the reverse side, typical of books and atlases of this era, but it does not detract from the clarity of the map. The margins are intact, and there are no major tears, stains, or repairs, making this a fine and collectible example of early European cartography of Japan. See less