Kaisei chiri shoho ansha no zu: Another gorgeous woodcut from the Japanese Maps of the Tokugawa Era digital collection (almost all of which could probably be featured here..)

We were particularly struck by the almost abstract beauty in this piece’s mix of cartographic and illustrated blocks.  Its intended function remains elusive, although the title suggests an instructional purpose. Let us know if you can shed any light on the matter!

Don’t forget, you can also come by UBC’s Rare Books and Special Collections to view this collection up close and personal!