Key Takeaways

• The 1853 Kaei 6 Japanese Map of the World, also known as Geographicus Chikyubankokuhozunakajima1853, is a significant historical cartographic artifact.
• It provides a unique perspective on the world as seen through the eyes of Japanese cartographers during the Kaei period.
• The map showcases various geographical features, countries, and trade routes of that era, offering valuable insights into global knowledge and travel routes.
• Despite the limitations of cartographic techniques at the time, the map’s level of detail reflects the expertise and craftsmanship of the Japanese cartographers.
• Studying this map allows us to understand the cultural and historical context of Japan during the mid-19th century.

History of the 1853 Kaei 6 Japanese Map of the World

The 1853 Kaei 6 Japanese Map of the World, also known as Geographicus Chikyubankokuhozunakajima1853, was created during the Kaei period in Japan. It was a time of political instability and significant transformations in the country.

During this period, Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate, a feudal military government that enforced isolationist policies known as the Sakoku policy. Foreign contact and trade were strictly limited, resulting in limited knowledge about the outside world.

However, in 1853, the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry’s fleet from the United States challenged Japan’s isolation. The map was likely created in response to this contact and the subsequent need to understand the global geography better.

Unique Insights from the Map

The 1853 Kaei 6 Japanese Map of the World provides several unique insights into the understanding and perception of the world during that time:

• 1. Geographical Features: The map showcases various geographic features such as mountain ranges, rivers, oceans, and islands. It reflects the available knowledge regarding these features, considering the limited access to international cartographic sources.
• 2. Countries and Territories: Different countries and territories are depicted, including Japan, China, Korea, Southeast Asian nations, Europe, the Americas, and more. The map highlights both nearby and faraway lands, illustrating the global reach of Japanese knowledge at the time.
• 3. Trade Routes: The map indicates major trade routes, providing evidence of economic connections between regions. It also showcases Japan’s position as a strategic center for trade and commerce.
• 4. Scale and Proportions: While the accuracy in terms of scale and proportions may not match modern standards, the map showcases the high level of detail and craftsmanship put into its creation. It demonstrates the skill of the Japanese cartographers.
• 5. Cultural Significance: By studying this map, we gain insight into the cultural and historical context of Japan in the mid-19th century. It allows us to understand how Japan perceived itself and its interactions with the rest of the world during this transformative period.

Table of Relevant Facts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Q: Who created the 1853 Kaei 6 Japanese Map of the World?

   A: The specific cartographer(s) responsible for the map’s creation are unknown. However, it was likely crafted by skilled Japanese cartographers during the Kaei period.

2. Q: How accurate is the map in terms of the modern world?

   A: The map’s accuracy should be understood within the historical context in which it was created. While it may not match modern standards, it provides valuable insights into the knowledge and perceptions of the world at that time.

3. Q: What makes this map significant?

   A: The 1853 Kaei 6 Japanese Map of the World is significant due to its historical and cultural value. It allows us to understand Japan’s perspective on global geography during the mid-19th century, a time marked by political and social transformations.

4. Q: Are there any surviving copies of the map?

   A: While it is challenging to determine the exact number of surviving copies, the map can be found in several libraries, private collections, and museums around the world. Digital reproductions are also available for study.

5. Q: What is the size of the map?

   A: The dimensions of the map may vary depending on the specific copy in question. However, typical sizes range from approximately 100 cm x 70 cm to 150 cm x 100 cm.

6. Q: Can the map be accessed online?

   A: Yes, several digitized versions of the 1853 Kaei 6 Japanese Map of the World are available online. These provide an opportunity for researchers and enthusiasts to explore the map from anywhere in the world.

7. Q: How can the map be used for historical research?

   A: The map can be a valuable resource for studying the perceptions, knowledge, and worldviews of Japan during the mid-19th century. It offers insights into trade routes, cultural interactions, and the geopolitical landscape of that era.

External Links

• Example Link 1
• Example Link 2

List of LSI Keywords

• 1853 Kaei 6 Japanese Map of the World
• Geographicus Chikyubankokuhozunakajima1853
• Japanese cartography
• Kaei period
• Commodore Matthew Perry
• Tokugawa shogunate
• Sakoku policy
• global geography
• world perception
• trade routes
• historical context
• political transformations