1778 Japanese Woodcut Map of Kyoto ( YAMASHIRO KUNI )

This extraordinary item is a hand colored woodcut map of YAMASHIRO KUNI or ancient Kyoto, and the vicinity, Japan. When this map was made Kyoto was the Imperial Capital of Japan. Staggering size and detail. This is a very early Japanese map. Produced in the mid 18th century Japanese woodcut style, this map is a rare combination of practical and decorative. Beautifully rendered in woodcut with hand coloring - no specific directional orientation. All text is in Japanese and seems to be oriented to the center of the map. A fine example from the golden period of Japanese cartography and an extraordinarily rare piece. A not to be missed addition to any serious collection of Japanese cartography.