Bankoku sōzu

There are several interesting codes in the Bankoku sōzu (1600), such as iconic and presentational codes. Firstly, the map uses irregularly shaped icons to establish boundaries between areas. Wrapping the whole map with oval lines and using a black and white line separates the map in the middle, dividing the map into four parts according… Read more: The map defined-Bankoku sōzu

To think about the “Bankoku sozu” map, I felt that the quote by David Turnbull was interesting. He said, “Maps are theories, and they are socially and culturally constructed.” The map provided is an idea of what the world looked like, some rough borders, centered with Japan and on the back is some depictions of… Read more: Bankoku Sozu – a map of trade and ports (Palanquin Travellers)