Takai Ranzan's 1849 map of Tokyo, then known as "Jeddo" or "Edo," is a captivating cartographic masterpiece that transports us back to the heart of Japan's Edo period. With meticulous detail and artistic flair, this map offers a remarkable glimpse into the bustling, historic cityscape that would later become modern Tokyo.
At first glance, the map reveals the sprawling landscape of Edo, strategically nestled along the eastern shores of Japan. The city's intricate network of rivers, canals, and waterways is prominently featured, emphasizing the vital role of water transportation in Edo's daily life and commerce. The well-planned streets and bridges, carefully laid out, exemplify the city's urban organization and advanced infrastructure.
The map showcases Edo's rich cultural and spiritual heritage with meticulous depictions of temples, shrines, and palaces. Among these, the majestic Edo Castle, home to the Tokugawa shoguns, dominates the city's center—a symbol of power and authority during the Edo period.
As we explore the map's neighborhoods, distinct districts emerge. The samurai residences, with their ordered layouts and fortified gates, stand in contrast to the vibrant merchant quarters teeming with markets, shops, and entertainment venues. This division of the city reflects the social hierarchy that characterized Edo society.
Nihonbashi, a hub of commerce and culture, takes center stage, marking the convergence of Japan's essential highways. This iconic bridge epitomizes Edo's role as the nation's economic nucleus.
Beyond its utility as a navigational tool, Ranzan's map is a work of art. Elaborate decorative borders and exquisite illustrations grace its periphery, showcasing the fusion of cartography and aesthetics. The calligraphy is masterful, enhancing the map's overall beauty.
Ranzan's 1849 map of Edo is a priceless historical artifact, offering not just geographic insights but also a cultural and historical narrative. It encapsulates the essence of Edo—a thriving metropolis where tradition and innovation harmonized, setting the stage for Tokyo's future as Japan's dynamic capital. It beckons to historians, cartographers, and enthusiasts alike, inviting them to explore the enchanting world of Edo as it stood in the mid-19th century.
Materials
Materials
Cotton canvas, matte photo paper, fine art paper, pigmented inks.
- The canvas it's 99 % cotton, 450 gr/sqm;
- The matte photo paper it's acid-free (archival paper), 190 gr/sqm;
- The fine art photo paper it's satinated (semi-glossy), 140 gr/sqm.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Dispatching time: 1-2 days.
* AirMail option: The orders will be sent by priority registered mail, usually via client National Post (USPS, Canada Post, Royal Mail, LaPoste, Deutsche Post, PostNL, etc). The delivery times are not guaranteed, sometimes it will take longer and these are beyond our control. Tracking number will be provided. Clients from US and Canada cannot track the parcels as the tracking numbers are not rolled in USPS and Canada Post systems.
* UPS standard: The orders will be sent with UPS expedited option. The delivery time it's between 5-11 days. Tracking number will be provided after dispatch.
* UPS express: : The orders will be sent with UPS express saver. The delivery time it's between 4-7 days. Tracking number will be provided after dispatch.
Framing tips
Framing tips
Both type of materials, paper and canvas prints come rolled and will be need to be taken to your local framers.
The image it's printed with a border of 0.6 " (1.5 cm), for framing purposes only.
If you have already a frame, be sure you send us the exact size of the print that will fit inside the frame. We're printing on vectorial plotters so the size could slightly be more or less with 0.4" (1 cm).
If you plan to have the canvas print stretched on wooden frame, you'll need additional border, so please let us know after placing the order.
The images above was cropped from the image at the biggest size available (keeping the best quality and aspect /ratio), so, for good details please choose biggest dimensions that will suit your preferences / space.
Care Instructions
Care Instructions
The print media (canvas or photo paper) could be cleaned only with a dry, soft cloth.
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