Antique Map of Japan and Korea and the Chinese Coast by Bellin, 1755

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Rare 1807 Italian Map of Japan “Giappone” by Carlo Antonio Barbiellini A finely engraved and highly decorative antique map of … Read more Rare 1807 Italian Map of Japan “Giappone” by Carlo Antonio Barbiellini A finely engraved and highly decorative antique map of Japan titled “Giappone,” engraved by the Italian cartographer Carlo Antonio Barbiellini and published in Milan around 1807. This elegant copperplate engraving presents the Japanese archipelago in remarkable detail during the late Edo period, at a time when European geographic knowledge of Japan remained both limited and deeply fascinating to Western audiences. The map depicts the principal islands of Japan with provincial divisions carefully outlined in original hand color. Coastal contours are crisply engraved, while roads, administrative regions, and place names are rendered with exceptional clarity. The western coastline of Korea is also shown, emphasizing the broader geographic and maritime context of East Asia. The surrounding waters are elegantly left open, creating a refined visual balance characteristic of early 19th-century Italian cartography. Barbiellini’s engraving style combines scientific precision with decorative restraint. Unlike many heavily ornamented earlier maps, this example possesses a refined neoclassical clarity that makes it particularly appealing to modern collectors and interior designers. The subtle original hand coloring in pink and yellow tones contrasts beautifully against the soft aged paper, creating a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic. Maps of Japan from this period are especially desirable because they document European interpretations of Japan shortly before the country’s forced opening to international trade later in the 19th century. The map reflects both historical geographic understanding and the increasing European commercial and scholarly interest in East Asia during the Napoleonic era. The composition works exceptionally well as both a decorative antique map and an important historical artifact. Its elegant proportions and restrained palette make it highly versatile for display in libraries, studies, offices, hospitality interiors, or collections focused on Asian history and cartography. This is an original antique copperplate engraving with original hand color, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The map 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 map, Giappone, Carlo Antonio Barbiellini, Milan map, Italian cartography, antique Japan map, Edo Japan, East Asia map, Korea coastline, Nippon, Japanese provinces, historical Japan, copper engraving, Italian engraving, 1807 map, decorative antique map, hand-colored map, Pacific cartography, old map of Japan, Asian cartography, geographical print, antique Asian map, maritime Japan Condition report: The map remains in good antique condition with attractive original hand coloring. Light age-related toning, visible original fold lines, and occasional minor spotting consistent with age. The engraving remains crisp and well preserved. See less