Préfecture

1880 · 220946 — Japan. Circa 1880. Coloured bird's eye view map 38.3 x 52cm with original envelope somewhat worn folded colour map with neat washi repairs to the verso 39.2 x 127.7cm black and white diagram 28.2 x 52.8cm colour illustrated book 27.7 x 20cm 28 double-folded leaves four hole string binding title label on front cover with minor chips. Covers discoloured and worn but holding firmly internally bright and clean. This collection of three historical maps one diagram and an original envelope offers a detailed view of land use and planning in the Tsu’u region of Okayama Prefecture during the early Meiji period. The area had a long history of human habitation with fertile soil and abundant water sources. From the beginning of the Edo period in the 17th century land in the area was progressively reclaimed leading to an expansion of agricultural land. <br> <br>The collection comprises the following five items: <br>Detailed Map of Hayashima Shinden Village in Tsu’u County Bitchū 備中國都宇郡早嶋新田村明細地圖 <br>Land Division Map untitled in Japanese <br>Diagram of Natsukawa Village Primary School in Tsu’u County Okayama 備中國都宇郡撫川村小學校見取繪圖 <br>Pictorial Map of Additionally Registered Lands 地積追番雛形繪圖 <br>Original envelope with title <br> <br>Item 1 shows the divisions of rice-growing land in Hayashima Shinden Village with area measurements and registration numbers. Water channels are coloured in blue. <br>Item 2 is a large map showing land divisions in an adjacent area of Hayashima although it does not have a title. <br>Item 3 is a diagram of a primary school established in Natsukawa at the beginning of the Meiji period probably in the 1870s. An existing Buddhist temple and its compound were used for the school. The diagram identifies a fenced school yard pupils’ entrances to the classrooms at the rear and a flagpole standing beside the school gate. <br>Item 4 is a beautifully drawn bird’s-eye view map showing a settlement with a temple and shrine along a river surrounded by mountains forests and rice paddies. Item 5 is the original envelope titled Hayataka Village Map and most likely belongs with Item 4. . unknown