Original, highly detailed, hand-colored antique map of Tokyo, published by Jacques Nicolas Bellin in Paris in 1749. This is one of the earliest available European maps of Tokyo. A key in the title locates two major places: The Palace of the Emperor, at the maps center (A); and The Bridge of Japan (B).
 
Presented in a handmade 1 1/4"  inch wide antiqued silver wood frame, ivory conservation mat, and protected by Tru Vue Optium Museum Acrylic® glazing .  Mat opening size 10 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches; overall size with frame: 15 x 15 inches.  As with all of our framed art, the frames and framing materials are new, and since framing is stored in a controlled environment away from light.  There are barely visible folds, as issued; otherwise the map is in excellent condition. 
 
Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703 - 1772), was one of the most important cartographers of the 18th century, with a career spanning some 50 years.  Compared to earlier 17th and 18th century cartographic work, Bellin's maps focus on function and accuracy tending.  Unlike many of his contemporaries, Bellin was always careful to cite his references.  Despite his success, he did not always enjoy his work, which is described as "long, unpleasant, and hard".  In addition to numerous maps and charts published during his lifetime, many of Bellin's maps published posthumously with updates.