1930 Japanese Takesi Pictorial Map of Java

This is a Japanese c.1930 Takesi pictorial map of Java, Indonesia. The map depicts the island of Java from Cilegon to Banuwangi. It is highly decorative with numerous humorous illustrations and sketches. Everyday Javanese life is illustrated throughout the map. Illustrates range from two people playing soccer to sea fishing. Other illustrations reference aspects of Java’s dramatic geography, such as its mountainous spine made up of both active and extinct volcanoes. The most active volcano in Indonesia, Mount Merapi, is located on Java. Java also has diverse terrain, from dense rainforests to savannas. Rainfall totals from one side of the island to the other differ by over ten feet! Three inset maps sit along the lower border, each depicting a different city, two of which have airports. Three small atolls are labeled to the north of Java. A large ship is depicted north of the island and it is surrounded by fish, representative of the region’s rich fisheries.

Although undated, we have approximated the date of this map c. 1930 based upon stylistic and printing analysis. This map was created by Takesi, but we have been able to discover little about this artist. It was mostly likely created during or just prior to World War II, when Japanese interests extend into Indonesia.