Search the Maps of Japan Catalogue

An important and fascinating collection of Japanese and European maps of Japan is currently being held at the Library, and is likely to draw interest from scholars around the world. The collection is on long-term loan, with a view to donation, from Sir Hugh and Lady Cortazzi. Sir Hugh is a former British ambassador to Japan who has already made a generous donation of over 1000 books to the Lisa Sainsbury Library. It includes several unique maps, the earliest dating from 1528, and some rare ceramics. The Sainsbury Institute, working with the Art Research Center at Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, has digitised the maps and made them available to scholars everywhere via the web.