1927 Japanese Panorama View Map of Mt. Fuji, Japan

This is an attractive 1927 (Showa 2) Japanese Panoramic View Map of Mt. Fuji, Japan and the Five Lakes at its base. At 3, 775 Meters, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and is considered to be one of the archipelago's Three Holy Mountains. Mount Fuji's exceptionally symmetrical cone is a well-known symbol of Japan and it is frequently depicted in art and photographs, as well as visited by sightseers and climbers. This uncommon type of map evolved from the exposure of traditional Japanese view-style cartography to western technology. Views like this began to appear in Japan, Taiwan, and Korea in the early 20th century. Generally speaking such maps coincided with the development of railroad lines throughout the once vast Dai Nippon Teikoku or Japanese empire. It is a distinctive style full of artistic flourish that at the same time performs a practical function. This particular example is both relatively early and exceptionally beautiful. It was printed via a multi-color chromolithographic process with delicately shaded tones and an easily comprehensible intuitive design. essentially a transportation map, it shows the major and minor rail lines around Mt. Fuji and the Five Lakes region, Japan.