90. [Montanus (Arnoldus)] Ambassades Memorables de la Compagnie des Indes Orientales des Provinces Unies, vers les Empereurs du Japon, 2 parts in 1, first French edition , additional engraved pictorial title, printed title in red and black with engraved device, engraved head-piece and 2 initials, folding engraved map and 25 folding plates and plans, 70 engraved illustrations in text, small ink shelfmark at head of engraved title, Hhh2 in part 2 misbound after Hhh3, folding map torn and repaired, folding plate of Miako cropped and a little frayed at fore-edge causing very slight loss, a few other small marginal tears, titles with marginal browning, 1 plate with water-staining to upper margin, small stain to lower margin of p.139 and verso of preceding plate, but generally a clean copy, engraved bookplate on front paste-down, contemporary mottled sheep, spine gilt in compartments, rubbed, small repairs to upper corners, inner hinges strengthened and front free endpapers renewed, folio, Amsterdam, Jacob de Meurs, 1680.
est. £2500 – £3500
First significant illustrated work on Japan, first published in Dutch in 1669 and edited by a Dutch missionary. The fine plates include views of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, cities, temples and castles, while the book describes many Japanese customs such as wrestling, baths, gardens, whaling etc.