Nagasaki Harbor-partial view
Among our recent acquisitions is a marvelous untitled manuscript map of the Japanese city of Nagasaki, its harbor, and the surrounding region, drawn in ink and water colors on rice paper by an anonymous cartographer/artist, ca. 1741-65. The map, which measures 21.5 x 53.5 inches, is oriented toward the northwest. It provides an exceptionally rich portrait of the then thriving trading center, including the fan-shaped, artificial island of Dejima that was constructed in 1634-36 for Portuguese merchants. When the Portuguese were expelled in 1639, only Dutch traders were permitted in Japan, but they were largely confined to this island, which severely limited contact between the merchants and the Japanese people.
European traders were forbidden from learning Japanese, and were not allowed to carry books or artifacts associated with Christianity.
In addition to municipal buildings and shrine, private homes are depicted, including the Togin district, where Chinese traders lived. In the harbour are 4 ships flying Dutch flags, three Chinese vessels, and a number of small,local fishing craft. Rice fields and roads are also depicted, as well as the surrounding mountains.
Welcome to the James Ford Bell Library
Are you curious? Have you ever seen, read, or touched a 600-year-old book? The Bell Library makes history come alive through its collection of rare books, maps and manuscripts that focus on trade and cross-cultural interaction before ca. 1800. Our premier collection illustrates the ways in which cultural influences expanded worldwide, with a special emphasis on European interactions. The James Ford Bell Library, its collection, and its innovative programs support scholarship and education at all levels, and enrich our community by advancing understanding of this global heritage, making the world we live in more meaningful.
Announcing Acquisition of Seller Atlas
Gift of Seller Atlas:Ford Bell, Marguerite Ragnow, Diane Niemann
The James Ford Bell Trust has purchased John Seller's Atlas Maritimus as a gift for the Bell Library. This ca. 1679 atlas includes 17 double-page engraved charts, ranging from "A Generall chart of the Northerne Navigation" to "A Chart of Guinea" to "A Chart of the Sea coast of Brazil." This atlas was the very first volume of maps scanned as part of our NEH grant (see below). The maps will become part of the Bell Library's collection in the UMedia Archive, and will be featured in an online exhibition to be launched in January 2012.Revealing Maps Project Update
Seller Title Page
Number of maps scanned through 15 December: 1,398! This project is made possible through funding by the National Endowment for the Humanities. The National Endowment for the Humanities: Because democracy demands wisdom.
"Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this website do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities."
Nagasaki Harbor-partial view
Among our recent acquisitions is a marvelous untitled manuscript map of the Japanese city of Nagasaki, its harbor, and the surrounding region, drawn in ink and water colors on rice paper by an anonymous cartographer/artist, ca. 1741-65. The map, which measures 21.5 x 53.5 inches, is oriented toward the northwest. It provides an exceptionally rich portrait of the then thriving trading center, including the fan-shaped, artificial island of Dejima that was constructed in 1634-36 for Portuguese merchants. When the Portuguese were expelled in 1639, only Dutch traders were permitted in Japan, but they were largely confined to this island, which severely limited contact between the merchants and the Japanese people.
European traders were forbidden from learning Japanese, and were not allowed to carry books or artifacts associated with Christianity.
In addition to municipal buildings and shrine, private homes are depicted, including the Togin district, where Chinese traders lived. In the harbour are 4 ships flying Dutch flags, three Chinese vessels, and a number of small,local fishing craft. Rice fields and roads are also depicted, as well as the surrounding mountains.
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