Map of Celebes Island (西里伯島圖)

Cartographer / Artist: Unknown Japanese Cartographer

Date Created: c. 1870

Medium: Hand-colored woodblock print on paper

Physical Dimensions: 9.4 × 7.2 in

Geographic Scope: Sulawesi (Celebes), Indonesia

Archive Catalog ID: fp10-img-2285

Provenance: The Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive

Collection: Edo & Meiji Japan: Cartography & Early Photography

This fine Japanese woodblock map depicts the island of Sulawesi (historically known as Celebes), rendered in a distinctive pink wash with intricate hachured mountain ranges. The map extends to include the surrounding waters of the East Indies, featuring the eastern coastline of Borneo (labeled 婆羅洲島) across the Makassar Strait, as well as the islands of the Maluku archipelago to the east. The title block in the upper right corner clearly designates the sheet as 'Map of Celebes Island' (西里伯島圖). Historical and geographic details are highlighted through traditional kanji text complemented by phonetic Japanese katakana side-annotations, such as 'セレベス' (Celebes) along the strait and 'マカッサル' (Makassar) at the southwestern port settlement of 馬加撒府. This dual labeling reflects the 19th-century Japanese adoption and translation of Western geographical knowledge during the late Edo and early Meiji periods, making it an insightful document of Japanese cartographic history in Maritime Southeast Asia.

Condition: Light age-toning and mild foxing across the paper surface.. Central vertical fold line with minor wear, as originally issued in an atlas format.. Strong woodblock print lines with vibrant, well-preserved original hand-coloring.

Map of Celebes Island (西里伯島圖)
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Edo & Meiji Japan: Cartography & Early Photographyc. 1870

Map of Celebes Island (西里伯島圖)

By Unknown Japanese Cartographer

Archival Overview & Authenticated Facts

Authentic period c. 1870 Hand-colored woodblock print on paper by Unknown Japanese Cartographer documenting Sulawesi (Celebes), Indonesia. Measures 9.4 × 7.2 in. Verified original holding from the Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive.

Acquisition StatusPrice Upon Request
Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive • 100% Guaranteed Authentic Original

Physical Specifications & Details

Medium & Technique
Hand-colored woodblock print on paper
Sheet / Plate Size
9.4 × 7.2 in
Date / Era
c. 1870
Geographic Scope
Sulawesi (Celebes), Indonesia
Archive Catalog ID
fp10-img-2285
Provenance
The Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive
Preservation & Condition Report
  • Light age-toning and mild foxing across the paper surface.
  • Central vertical fold line with minor wear, as originally issued in an atlas format.
  • Strong woodblock print lines with vibrant, well-preserved original hand-coloring.

Historical Context & Archival Analysis

This fine Japanese woodblock map depicts the island of Sulawesi (historically known as Celebes), rendered in a distinctive pink wash with intricate hachured mountain ranges. The map extends to include the surrounding waters of the East Indies, featuring the eastern coastline of Borneo (labeled 婆羅洲島) across the Makassar Strait, as well as the islands of the Maluku archipelago to the east. The title block in the upper right corner clearly designates the sheet as 'Map of Celebes Island' (西里伯島圖). Historical and geographic details are highlighted through traditional kanji text complemented by phonetic Japanese katakana side-annotations, such as 'セレベス' (Celebes) along the strait and 'マカッサル' (Makassar) at the southwestern port settlement of 馬加撒府. This dual labeling reflects the 19th-century Japanese adoption and translation of Western geographical knowledge during the late Edo and early Meiji periods, making it an insightful document of Japanese cartographic history in Maritime Southeast Asia.

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Every map, fine print, and photograph offered by Rubini Antique Maps and Prints is an authenticated, 100% original period work produced during its stated publication date or era. We never sell modern reproductions or digital facsimiles. All cataloged items carry verified provenance originating from the historical collection of Dr. Joseph R. Rubini, backed by complete historical attribution.