Bundaiken Uhei
Bundaiken Uhei (fl. 1680 - 1720) was Japanese bookseller and publisher active in Kyoto during the early part of the 18th century. His is best known for his publication of Rokashi Hotan's important Buddhist world map, Nansunbushu Bankoku Shoka no Zu (Outline Map of All Countries of the Universe). This map, which attempted to reconcile traditional Buddhist cosmography with modern scientific cartography and European cartographic innovations is one of the most important maps ever printed in Japan. Its composition and wide popularity influence Japanese Buddhist cartography well into the 19th century.
First Buddhist map of the world.
南瞻部洲萬國掌菓之圖 / Nansen bushū bankoku shōka no zu / [Map of the Countries in Jambudvipa].
$25,000.00
Acquire
- Digital Map Information
- Suitable for large format printing
- File Size: 187.54 MB
- File Type: ZIP / TIFF
- ICC color profile embedded
- Delivered instantly via download link
This is the seminal 1710 (Hoei 7) woodblock Buddhist world map composed by the monk Rokashi Hotan. It is the first Japanese printed map to depict the world, including Europe and America, from a Buddhist cosmographical perspective. Inspired by the 1653 publication of Si-yu-ki (or Xiyuji 西域記), a pilgrimage narrative of the Chinese monk Hsuang-Tsang's (or Xuanzang 玄奘, 602 - 604 CE) travels to India in search of sacred Sanskrit writings, it attempts to reconcile Buddhist and Western cartography. (more details)