Map of Japan for Tourists Published by the Welcome Society of Japan Scarce first edtion with woodblock printed covers
[Japan] The Welcome Society of Japan, or Kikin-kai, was based at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, and was founded in 1893 by Eiichi Shibusawa with others to help foreign tourists overcome language issues etc. when travelling in Japan. Interestingly, this stated first edition map has woodblock printed covers that were, 'completed by seventy wood-cut plates, renewed at every four thousand copies.' Also that a total of 11,000 were printed. With numerous, interesting advertisements on the rear, it seems very few of this first edition now remain.
Tokyo. Kihinkai. 1897.
86.2 x 58.3cm (19.3 x 10.3cm when folded)
In very good condition. Covers a bit worn. Map starting to separate along part of one fold. Otherwise very good. m33030834
