[Nara, Japan]

This map depicts the region of Washū-Nara-no-Ezu in Japan. It was printed with wood blocks and published by Ezuya Shohachi around 1864 as tourist map, at the end of the Edo period. Shohachi was Nara's most significant map publisher at the time. Sightseeing and tourism in Japan was increasing in the mid-nineteenth century, and this map was meant to be folded and used for visitors in the area or purchased as a souvenir of the Nara region.

The map is oriented with north to the left and uses a multicoloured palette to highlight waterways, mountains, forests, and annotations. It is designed in a pictorial style, with certain mountains and buildings illustrated. The text also includes distance charts and a seasonal calendar. Major points of interest are featured, such as the Todaiji Temple, one of the most famous and historically significant temples in Japan, and Kasuga Taisha, the most important Shinto shrine in Nara. Smaller shrines in the Kasuga Taisha complex, such as Wakamiya and Meoto Daikokusha are also marked. The Nara region is also known for its sacred deer population, illustrated in many places on the map.

Original hand-colour. [SEAS5360]