Explore a rare Meiji-period Japanese geography book (c. 1870s–1880s), richly illustrated with world maps, regional descriptions, foreign landscapes, plants, and animals. Produced during Japan’s rapid modernization, these early geography textbooks introduced students to global geography, climate, culture, and natural history for the first time.
This volume includes:
Detailed maps of Asia, India, Persia, Southeast Asia, and other world regions
Descriptions of geographical features, mountains, rivers, climate, and resources
Explanations of foreign customs, clothing, and lifestyle
Illustrations of Western architecture, castles, and towns
Drawings of exotic animals and plants, including crocodiles and tropical species
Classical-style text written in kanbun (漢文), typical for early Meiji education
Books of this type were used in private academies and early public schools, helping Japan learn about the world after centuries of isolation. Many were printed in small quantities and have become increasingly rare.
This is an excellent piece for collectors of Japanese history, cartography, Meiji education, and antique illustrated books.
