富士見十三州輿地之全圖 Edo Period 1843 Tenpo 14 ukiyo-e WALL SIZED MAP woodblock MT FUJI

Description

富士見十三州輿地之全圖
Fujimi jusanshu yochi no zenzu (Map of the 13 Provinces From Which Mt Fuji Is Visible)
Illustrated by
Akiyama Nagatoshi
. Preface by
Funakoshi Murimi
, dated
Tenpo 13
(1842). Postcript by
Funakoshi Wataru
, dated Tenpo 14 (1843). Dimensions, outside edges  = approximately 61" X 69" (155 cm X 175 cm). Dimensions, folded = approx. 7" X 10 1/2" (18 cm X 26 cm).
This original map is culled from the estate of an antiquarian horologist (inherited by my girlfriend) in Waterbury, CT. What does horology have to do with old Japanese relief maps? Nothing, except that this particular map was probably issued as collateral for services rendered by the above, who specialized in the restoration/conservation of automata. Apparently, collectors think nothing of offering their antiques in lieu of currency. We have a bunch of unrelated old stuff that I have yet to identify and list.
A Google image search of the title-stamped cover led me to The Japanese Historical Maps Collection of the East Asian Library, The University of California, Berkeley, from which I determined the contributors and publication date. The photos and measurements are ours. In case you are wondering if the photos are genuine rather than imported off of the web I left the photos "ugly", uncropped, revealing the true borders of the map in all their weathered glory, instead of merely the black border containing the image. You will also notice two clips (adhered to the wall) adjacent to the top edge that secure the map vertically for ready picture-taking. No self-respecting curator would present their item so baldly. I tend to regard our presentation as honest.
There is no particular directional orientation to the map. As the title suggests, geographical representation is centered on
Mount Fuji
, Japan.
I am unaware of the material it is printed on, whether it is rice- or hemp-paper. One thing I am certain of--it is constructed of thick, rugged stock that can withstand a beating. I spent hours agonizing over the handling of this item only to realize that it is not as delicate as I assume a 170+ year old map would be. It is a monster, and it is BIG.
Grading is subject to YOUR eyes, backed by my
return policy
(see below). Regardless of what anyone says, there is no OBJECTIVE standard for grading antiquarian maps. I have complete CONFIDENCE in my assessment but I am more than happy to accomodate yours. Please be mindful of the description and photos, for they are accurate. Please contact me before buying if you have ANY questions or concerns.
GRADE = good. Foxing is particularly evident along the folds that, when the map is folded, face one of the lateral (long) sides. The painted images remain crisp and bright. Minimal tears along fold lines are readily visible on the blank reverse side when photographed over a dark background (photo 6). The cover flaps are situated on the reverse side; photo 6 will demonstrate that the title flap is NOT secured to the map.
Please check the photos to ensure visual integrity of the item. While this map was clearly intended to withstand rugged use, you are welcome to pick it up locally if you care to protect it yourself. We can discuss local pick up at your choosing.
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Thank you kindly.