Complete Map of Counties in Mutsu and Dewa

Mutsu Dewa kokugun kōtei zenzu 陸奥出羽国郡行程全図

An early modern Japanese map printed in color showing the provinces of Mutsu and Dewa with lots of labels for towns and travel routes. The map is softly colored and viewed from the side to shocase topographic features.
Fig. 1. Hashimoto Gyokuransai 橋本玉蘭斎 (Utagawa Sadahide), Complete Map of Counties in Mutsu and Dewa (Ezo no kuni zenzu 陸奥出羽国郡行程全図), n.d.; c. 1868, color, printed on paper, 91.44 cm × 144.78 cm. Charles E. Young Library & Special Collections.

The Complete Map of Counties in Mutsu and Dewa (Mutsu Dewa kokugun kōtei zenzu 陸奥出羽国郡行程全図) by Hashimoto Gyokuransai 橋本玉蘭斎 (Utagawa Sadahide) (1807–c. 1878–1879) is undated, but believed to be c. 1868. Printed on paper in color, the map measures 91.44 cm × 144.78 cm. In it we see a detailed topographical view of the north of Honshu, presented at an angle rather than overhead, giving it an artistic flourish and additional details. The map was published the same year the new Meiji government was established. It shows major roads, post towns, and navigational routes.