Japan - Revision history

Admin: /* 1694. The present state of the universe by John Beaumont. */

2025-11-22T21:42:39Z

1694. The present state of the universe by John Beaumont.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:42, 22 November 2025
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	IV. This Country is very Fertile in Corn, Beasts, Wild-Fowl, Pearls, Mines of Gold, and Silver, and others. Rice alone, as its said, brings this Emperour yearly two Millions of Crowns.</blockquote>		IV. This Country is very Fertile in Corn, Beasts, Wild-Fowl, Pearls, Mines of Gold, and Silver, and others. Rice alone, as its said, brings this Emperour yearly two Millions of Crowns.</blockquote>

			=== 1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child. ===
			<blockquote>THE Isles of Japon lye on the East of China, on the South of the Tartars of Yupi, between the 30 and 40 D. of Latitude, and the 174 and 188 of Longitude; they are surrounded with the Eastern Ocean, and Sea of Japon.

			The Air is very temperate and sound. The Soil, as well as the Mountains, yields plenty of Rice, Millet, Barley, Wheat, and several sorts of Fruit; but they have but little Wine. Gold is so very plentiful, that one would think all their Land almost, is made of Gold. The Pearls, which are caught here are very big and red, and very different from others. They have many Mines of Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, Steel, Lead, and several Mineral Waters; Horses, Elephants, Camels, and other Beasts, are common among them; but they have few horned Beasts. These Islands are divided by Rivers and Channels, they have several Gulphs, some Lakes, and good Havens, which promote the great Trade, which is made hither.

			The People of Japon take their original from China; they are so distrustful and fearful, that they will not go aboard any strange Ship, except the Hollanders, which they venture into to promote their Trade. When any Holland Vessel goes into any of their Ports, the Commissioners first come to them, and ask all those they meet in the Ship, severally, what News they have in their Country. Lyars are punished most severely. Then they take out all their Merchandizes, and Guns, and Ammunition; and having enquired the price of the Goods imported, at their leisure, they lade the Vessel with Gold, or Silver, as they please, of as great a value, without giving the Merchants leave to chuse what Metal they desire; and they must be gone upon order, without asking the reason of their departure. Tis true, they are very true and just in their Dealings and Commerce, and never cheat, or deceive; but yet the Nation is proud, ambitious, cruel, and disdainful to Strangers.

			The People of Japon are governed by several Princes, or Petty-Lords, or Tunes, whose Dominion usually extends no farther than one City, and who acknowledge the Emperor of Japon for their Soveraign. Their Government is very arbitrary and rigorous: There is no Prince, or Lord, but hath a power of Life and Death over all his Subjects.

			These Islanders have been always Idolaters, and have among them a great number of Men and Women consecrated to the Service of their Idols, who profess, in a manner, a Monk's Life, whom th•y ••ll Bonzes. In 1542 the Portugueze discovered these Islands; and Xaverius, the Jesuit, went thither in 1549. where he preached the Gospel, and converted many Souls; but the state of affairs is much altered since that time, and no man dare profess Christianity but in private.

			Japon is an heap of Islands, of which these are the most remarkable; 1. Japon, properly so called, or Niphon, which is much bigger than the two following. It is 200 leagues from West to East, and 90 from South to North in the widest places, and 440 in compass. 2. Ximo, called also Bungo and Saycock, which is about 80 leagues from South-West to North-West; and 20 from West by South to East by North. 3. Xicocu, or Tokaesi, and Tonsa, which is situate between Niphon and Ximo, and is about 48 leagues from West to East, and 20 from South to North. The other Islands which lye thereabouts are not considerable. As to the Isle of Niphon 'tis ordin•rily divided •nto 5 Regions, which are; 1. Jamaisoit, or J••ayisero. 2. J••sengo. 3. Jetsegen. 4. Guanto. 5. C••io; of which the chief Cities are in the Table.

			The Isles of Japon have 4 parts.

			1. Niphon, in 5 Provinces,

			1. Jamaisoit, or Jamaistero,

			...Nungato.

			2. Jetsengo,

			Miaco, or Meaco.

			3. Jetsegen,

			...Finda.

			4. Guanto.

			...Micava.

			5. Chio,

			Yendo, or Jedo.

			2. Ximo, or Bungo,

			...Bungo, Vasumi.

			Fingen, or Fisen.

			...Naugasaki, Arima.

			...Cicugo, Satcuma.

			...Cangoxuma.

			3. Xicoco, or Tansa,

			...Xicoco, Ava.

			Tonsa, or Tosa.

			...Samuchi, Hyo.

			4. The Isles belonging to Japon

			1. About Niphon,

			Tondoxima, Sando, or Sado, Oqui.

			Northward,

			...Maycuxima.

			...Toy, Yxonoxima.

			Princes Isle, Eastward.

			2. About Ximo,

			...Tanegaxima, ••ogo.

			Queso Pequin, &c.

			3. Isles at some distance,

			...Hermanos, Mal, Abrigo.

			Amsterdam, Rays, Magos, &c.

			The City of Meaco stands about the middle of the Island of Niphon, towards the South. The Dairo, who is the nigh-Priest of Japon, hath his residence here. The new Emperor's Palace is at Jedo, for which reason it is, that that City is accounted the chief City of Japon: It stands by the Sea, on the South side of Japon, and upon the bank of the River Tonkavu, or Touchon, near a large Gulf, but not very deep, because of the several shelves of Sand in it: Insomuch that only small Barks can sail in it. It yields plenty of Soles, Smelts,

			Eels, and Oysters. Their Houses, which are covered with Slate, are lined with Boards to make them less moist. The Palaces of the Emperor and his great Lords, are very numerous and stately. They are covered with Plates of Gold. The City of Meaco, or as the people of Japon call it, Camicoma, contains in it above 100000 Houses, the greatest part of which are built of Wood, that they may be less shaken by the Earthquakes, whlch are common there. This City is sheltered on the West side with the Mountains of Dubojamma, and divided into two unequal parts by a small River, the one is high, the other low; in the former is built the stately Palace of the Dairo, with many other lofty Houses. The Tradesmens Houses are but one story high. Japon is the richest Country in the world for Gold. They gather their Rice in September, and their Corn in May. Their Waters are wonderful good. Cedars are common, and of that height and thickness, that they make Masts for their biggest Ships of them, and Pillars for their Temples. The Arms of Japon are an Harquebuss, Cimiter, a Bow, Arrows, and Speer, adorned with Gold, or Silver; and a Pike more slender and longer than ours. They live very long.</blockquote>

Admin at 14:52, 6 April 2025

2025-04-06T14:52:23Z

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	They have several particular Tones, or Princes, the most part of whom, confine their Power within the Circle of a Town. This Custom is generally received, that when one of those Tones loses his Dominions, his Subjects lose likewise their Estates. The Capital City is [[Meaco]], which is said to contain sixty thousand Housholds. Yendo is a Royal Castle, Sazay a famous Sea-Port. In the Year 1658. a Fire happened at Yendo, which occasioned the loss of above forty eight Millions of Gold. The Spaniards Sail along these Islands, when they return from the Philippines to Mexico and Peru. The Hollanders are said to go now to Japan by the North, passing West of the Land of Jeso.</blockquote>		They have several particular Tones, or Princes, the most part of whom, confine their Power within the Circle of a Town. This Custom is generally received, that when one of those Tones loses his Dominions, his Subjects lose likewise their Estates. The Capital City is [[Meaco]], which is said to contain sixty thousand Housholds. Yendo is a Royal Castle, Sazay a famous Sea-Port. In the Year 1658. a Fire happened at Yendo, which occasioned the loss of above forty eight Millions of Gold. The Spaniards Sail along these Islands, when they return from the Philippines to Mexico and Peru. The Hollanders are said to go now to Japan by the North, passing West of the Land of Jeso.</blockquote>

			=== 1694. The present state of the universe by John Beaumont. ===
			<blockquote>JAPAN. (Book Japan)

			I. Pontier tells us the Emperour of Japan's name is Xogun, or Taico. Mallet says its Quane.

			II. According to the Relation of the Ambassadors of the Dutch East-India Company, sent to this Emperour, his Arms are, Or, with six Stars Argent, in an Oval Shield, and bordered with little Points of Gold. Mallet says he bears Sable, with three Trefoils Argent. He is a Pagan.

			III. Meaco was formerly the Capital City of Japan, while the Emperours there resided; but since he has left it, it is not so considerable, tho it contains still above one hundred thousand Houses, the most part built of Carpenters Work, as being less subject to be shaken with Earthquakes, which are there very frequent. In this City is a most magnificent Palace, in which the Dairy, or Chief Priest resides. Yedo is now the Capital City, the Emperour there residing. The Houses are generally built of Clay, and cover'd with Wood, that the moisture might not prove offensive. The great Mens Palaces are numerous, and of a magnificent Structure. There is one Street in the Town near four Leagues in length. The Emperours Palace there is one of the most beautiful of Japan. The Temple of Amida in Yedo is very stately.

			IV. This Country is very Fertile in Corn, Beasts, Wild-Fowl, Pearls, Mines of Gold, and Silver, and others. Rice alone, as its said, brings this Emperour yearly two Millions of Crowns.</blockquote>

Admin: /* Maps */

2025-01-16T02:03:48Z

Maps

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	==Geography==		==Geography==
	==Maps==		==Maps==
	<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">		<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150" showfilename="yes">
	File:1708 Jaillot, Alexis Hubert Japan.jpg		File:1708 Jaillot, Alexis Hubert Japan.jpg
	</gallery>		</gallery>

Admin at 02:03, 16 January 2025

2025-01-16T02:03:15Z

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	<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
	File:1708 Jaillot, Alexis Hubert Japan.jpg\|1708 Jaillot, Alexis Hubert
	</gallery>

	==Etymology and other names==		==Etymology and other names==

Admin at 02:03, 16 January 2025

2025-01-16T02:03:05Z

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	==History==		==History==
	==Geography==		==Geography==
			==Maps==
			<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
			File:1708 Jaillot, Alexis Hubert Japan.jpg
			</gallery>
	==Demographics==		==Demographics==
	==Economy==		==Economy==

Admin at 02:02, 16 January 2025

2025-01-16T02:02:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:02, 16 January 2025
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	<gallery>		<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
	File:1708 Jaillot, Alexis Hubert Japan.jpg		File:1708 Jaillot, Alexis Hubert Japan.jpg\|1708 Jaillot, Alexis Hubert
	</gallery>		</gallery>

Admin at 03:43, 15 January 2025

2025-01-15T03:43:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:43, 15 January 2025
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			<gallery>
			File:1708 Jaillot, Alexis Hubert Japan.jpg
			</gallery>

	==Etymology and other names==		==Etymology and other names==

Admin: /* 1652. Cosmographie in four bookes by Peter Heylyn. */

2025-01-12T16:17:44Z

1652. Cosmographie in four bookes by Peter Heylyn.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:17, 12 January 2025
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	It hath a wholesome Climate, but it hath much cold and Snow, neither is it very fruitfull. In the moneth of September they doe reape their Rice, and in some places they doe reape Wheate in May, neither doe make Bread of it, but a kinde of Pudding. The Inhabitants doe digge divers sorts of Mettals out of bowels of the Earth, which maketh other remote Nations come to trade with them. And this Iland hath such store of Gold, that as Marcus Paulus Venetus witnesseth, the Kings Royall Palace was cover'd, with streets of Gold, as we cover Houses with Lead or Brasse. They have Trees for delight and bearing of fruit like ours. And in many places there is great store of Cedar Trees, which are so tall and thick, that Carpenters make Pillars of Churches of them, and Masts for Ships of great burthen. The Japonians doe not keep Sheepe, Hogs, Hens, nor Geese about their Houses, But in the Fields and Meddowes there are whole Droves of Oxen and Horses: and the Forrests and Thickets are full of Wolves, Connyes, Boares, and Harts. And it hath divers sorts of Fowle, as Pheasants, Duckes, Ring-Doves, Turtle-Doves, Starlings, and Moorehens. Iapan was heretofore subject to one Emperour or Governour, who was called Vo or Dair, untill he growing •ffeminate with long peace, and addicting himselfe to pleasure and idlenesse, began to bee contemned and despised of his owne Nobles, and especially the Cubi, for so the two chiefe Noblemen were call'd, who afterward slew one another. But he is counted the chiefe of the Japonians, who governeth Meacum, and the Lordships neere unto it, which Country they call by one common name Tensa. The Tyrant Nobunurga did sometime possesse these parts. He being kill'd in his Throne by Conspirators, and his Children either expulsed or murdred by faction and force, Faxiba one of the chiefe Dukes succeeded after him. But now Taicosana or Taico is the Monarke of Iapan. The chiefe Citty of Iapan is Meacum, which is a great Citty, being 21. miles in compasse, but now a third part is decayd by the Ilanders civil Warres. Here the chiefe Magistrates of Iapan dwell. There are besides the famous Citty Ossacaia, which is potent, free, and the richest Citty as some suppose in all the East. Heere are a great many Merchants which resort hither from every place, of which the meanest is worth 30 thousand Crownes, and the other are incredible rich. Bungum is is a chiefe Citty, and well seated, in which there is a great number of Christians. There is also the Citty Coya sacred to one Bontius, whom they call Combodassi. All the Princes are buryed in this Citty, or if otherwheres, yet they send one of their teeth at least to be buryed here; so much do they reverence this place. Fiongo is a Citty 18 leagues distant from Meacum. This Citty in Nobunungas time was for the most part wasted. And an Earthquake in the yeare 1596. ouerthrew a great part of it, and afterward the greatest part of that which remained was burnt. There is also the Citty Amangasaqui fiue leagues from the Sea over against Sacai. It hath also Vosuquin, Funaium, and Tosa, which are all faire Citties, and others, which for brevity sake I omit. Here are many Havens, among which Ochinofamanus, in which a great number of Ships doe lie at Roade. And it hath many Mountaines, but especially two which are very high, the one of which doth daily cast forth flames of fire, on the top whereof the Devill, though a cleere transparent cloud doth appeare to men: the other is called Figenojama, which is very high, so that it is some leagues above the clouds. They doe build magnificent Temples, and sumptuous Friaries and Nunneries, and proud Palaces. We have formerly out of Paulus Venetus mentioned the royall Palace, which was coverd with sheetes of Gold. And it is reported also that the Halls and Parlors were coverd in the same manner. Neither are they now lesse sumptuous and magnificent in such kinde of workes. Taico or Taicosama who was Monarke hereof did build a Court here, which he coverd with a thousand rich Carpets with silke Fringes, and every one of these Carpets were 8. lands breadth long, and 4. broad. It was built with very precious wood, and so gilded within, that it may seeme incredible. Before this Court in a faire Plaine, he commanded that a Theater should be raised for acting of Comoedies. I passe by other matters for brevity sake. The most have woodden houses in regard they have frequent Earthquakes, and some have houses built from the ground of stone, very neately and curiously. At Meacum those three men live, who have the chiefe power thorow the Iland, and are the prime men of all the Kingdome. The first, who is called Zazo, is like the chiefe Priest to looke to Church matters. The second is called Voo, who looketh to the conferring and bestowing of dignities and honours. The third call'd Cubacama, looketh to matters of peace, of warre. But the people of this Ile are devided into five Orders, the first are the Magistrates and Governours, which they call by a common name Toni, although the Toni there are severall degrees of dignity, as wee have Kings, Dukes, Marquesses, and Earles. The next Order is the Clergie, whose heads are shaven, and doe live a single life. There are divers sects of them. And there are some who like the Knights of the Rhodes are both Souldiers and Churchmen. But they are called by one common appellation or name Bonzij. The third order consists of the Citizens, and the other Nobility. The next are the Merchants and Tradsmen, and the last are the Husbandmen. All kindes of Delinquents and Malefactors are punished either with banishment or death. They are commonly executed with a Sword: but in some places these Theeves that are taken, are carried thorow the Citty on a Hurdle, and so executed out of the Citty. In matters of religion they do miserably erre, for those aforesaid Bonzij are their Tutors in religion, and their two Gods are Amida and Xoca. And they have other Gods also to whom they pray for future blessings, which they call Fotoques. And they have other inferiour Gods which have power to give them health, children, wealth, and those things which appertaine to the body: these they call Camis. Here are divers Schooles in many places, which we call Academies. There is a Schoole in the Towne Banoum, where they solemnly take Degrees from the Rector or Governour thereof. And amongst the rest there is a Seminary of Jesuits, in which the Japonians doe learne the Portugall language, and the Europeans the Japonian language. Moreover the Japonians doe use Printing. And generally they are a witty, crafty people, and have good naturall gifts, both for judgement, dociblenesse, and memory. Poverty is no reproach nor disgrace to any one. They hate cursing, stealing, and rash swearing. They are of a tall lusty stature, and comely of body. They are strong and lusty, and able to beare armes untill they bee threescore yeeres old. They have but little beards; but they weare their haire after divers fashions, the youths doe pull off all the haire on the forepart of their head, and the common people doe pull off halfe the haire on their heads. And Noblemen doe pull off all, except it bee some few haires which are left at the hinder part of their head, and it is held an affront for any one to presume to touch them. They lay faire Carpets or Quilts upon the ground, and upon them they sleepe, and dine upon them, kneeling on their knees, and sitting on their thighs. They have as great a care of cleanlinesse as the Chinoans, who by the helpe of two stalkes which they use at meales, doe neither let any thing fall by, nor have no need to wipe their fingers. They come to supper without shooes, that so they may not foule the Carpet with treading on it. The poorer sort especially by the Sea side doe live by Hearbs, Rice, and Fish: the rich have great sett Banquets: at every Dish the Guests Trenchers are changed which have no Napkins belonging to them but are made of Cedar or Pine wood, and are a hand-breadth thick. Their meate is served in, in the forme of a Pyramis, besprinkled with Gold, with Cypresse boughes sticking in it. And sometimes Fowle with gilded Bills and Feete, are brought in whole in great Dishes. Here the Portugals doe trade, for here are found great store of Pearles, and Rubies, and other Pretious Stones, and also Gold which doe make the Iland very rich.</blockquote>		It hath a wholesome Climate, but it hath much cold and Snow, neither is it very fruitfull. In the moneth of September they doe reape their Rice, and in some places they doe reape Wheate in May, neither doe make Bread of it, but a kinde of Pudding. The Inhabitants doe digge divers sorts of Mettals out of bowels of the Earth, which maketh other remote Nations come to trade with them. And this Iland hath such store of Gold, that as Marcus Paulus Venetus witnesseth, the Kings Royall Palace was cover'd, with streets of Gold, as we cover Houses with Lead or Brasse. They have Trees for delight and bearing of fruit like ours. And in many places there is great store of Cedar Trees, which are so tall and thick, that Carpenters make Pillars of Churches of them, and Masts for Ships of great burthen. The Japonians doe not keep Sheepe, Hogs, Hens, nor Geese about their Houses, But in the Fields and Meddowes there are whole Droves of Oxen and Horses: and the Forrests and Thickets are full of Wolves, Connyes, Boares, and Harts. And it hath divers sorts of Fowle, as Pheasants, Duckes, Ring-Doves, Turtle-Doves, Starlings, and Moorehens. Iapan was heretofore subject to one Emperour or Governour, who was called Vo or Dair, untill he growing •ffeminate with long peace, and addicting himselfe to pleasure and idlenesse, began to bee contemned and despised of his owne Nobles, and especially the Cubi, for so the two chiefe Noblemen were call'd, who afterward slew one another. But he is counted the chiefe of the Japonians, who governeth Meacum, and the Lordships neere unto it, which Country they call by one common name Tensa. The Tyrant Nobunurga did sometime possesse these parts. He being kill'd in his Throne by Conspirators, and his Children either expulsed or murdred by faction and force, Faxiba one of the chiefe Dukes succeeded after him. But now Taicosana or Taico is the Monarke of Iapan. The chiefe Citty of Iapan is Meacum, which is a great Citty, being 21. miles in compasse, but now a third part is decayd by the Ilanders civil Warres. Here the chiefe Magistrates of Iapan dwell. There are besides the famous Citty Ossacaia, which is potent, free, and the richest Citty as some suppose in all the East. Heere are a great many Merchants which resort hither from every place, of which the meanest is worth 30 thousand Crownes, and the other are incredible rich. Bungum is is a chiefe Citty, and well seated, in which there is a great number of Christians. There is also the Citty Coya sacred to one Bontius, whom they call Combodassi. All the Princes are buryed in this Citty, or if otherwheres, yet they send one of their teeth at least to be buryed here; so much do they reverence this place. Fiongo is a Citty 18 leagues distant from Meacum. This Citty in Nobunungas time was for the most part wasted. And an Earthquake in the yeare 1596. ouerthrew a great part of it, and afterward the greatest part of that which remained was burnt. There is also the Citty Amangasaqui fiue leagues from the Sea over against Sacai. It hath also Vosuquin, Funaium, and Tosa, which are all faire Citties, and others, which for brevity sake I omit. Here are many Havens, among which Ochinofamanus, in which a great number of Ships doe lie at Roade. And it hath many Mountaines, but especially two which are very high, the one of which doth daily cast forth flames of fire, on the top whereof the Devill, though a cleere transparent cloud doth appeare to men: the other is called Figenojama, which is very high, so that it is some leagues above the clouds. They doe build magnificent Temples, and sumptuous Friaries and Nunneries, and proud Palaces. We have formerly out of Paulus Venetus mentioned the royall Palace, which was coverd with sheetes of Gold. And it is reported also that the Halls and Parlors were coverd in the same manner. Neither are they now lesse sumptuous and magnificent in such kinde of workes. Taico or Taicosama who was Monarke hereof did build a Court here, which he coverd with a thousand rich Carpets with silke Fringes, and every one of these Carpets were 8. lands breadth long, and 4. broad. It was built with very precious wood, and so gilded within, that it may seeme incredible. Before this Court in a faire Plaine, he commanded that a Theater should be raised for acting of Comoedies. I passe by other matters for brevity sake. The most have woodden houses in regard they have frequent Earthquakes, and some have houses built from the ground of stone, very neately and curiously. At Meacum those three men live, who have the chiefe power thorow the Iland, and are the prime men of all the Kingdome. The first, who is called Zazo, is like the chiefe Priest to looke to Church matters. The second is called Voo, who looketh to the conferring and bestowing of dignities and honours. The third call'd Cubacama, looketh to matters of peace, of warre. But the people of this Ile are devided into five Orders, the first are the Magistrates and Governours, which they call by a common name Toni, although the Toni there are severall degrees of dignity, as wee have Kings, Dukes, Marquesses, and Earles. The next Order is the Clergie, whose heads are shaven, and doe live a single life. There are divers sects of them. And there are some who like the Knights of the Rhodes are both Souldiers and Churchmen. But they are called by one common appellation or name Bonzij. The third order consists of the Citizens, and the other Nobility. The next are the Merchants and Tradsmen, and the last are the Husbandmen. All kindes of Delinquents and Malefactors are punished either with banishment or death. They are commonly executed with a Sword: but in some places these Theeves that are taken, are carried thorow the Citty on a Hurdle, and so executed out of the Citty. In matters of religion they do miserably erre, for those aforesaid Bonzij are their Tutors in religion, and their two Gods are Amida and Xoca. And they have other Gods also to whom they pray for future blessings, which they call Fotoques. And they have other inferiour Gods which have power to give them health, children, wealth, and those things which appertaine to the body: these they call Camis. Here are divers Schooles in many places, which we call Academies. There is a Schoole in the Towne Banoum, where they solemnly take Degrees from the Rector or Governour thereof. And amongst the rest there is a Seminary of Jesuits, in which the Japonians doe learne the Portugall language, and the Europeans the Japonian language. Moreover the Japonians doe use Printing. And generally they are a witty, crafty people, and have good naturall gifts, both for judgement, dociblenesse, and memory. Poverty is no reproach nor disgrace to any one. They hate cursing, stealing, and rash swearing. They are of a tall lusty stature, and comely of body. They are strong and lusty, and able to beare armes untill they bee threescore yeeres old. They have but little beards; but they weare their haire after divers fashions, the youths doe pull off all the haire on the forepart of their head, and the common people doe pull off halfe the haire on their heads. And Noblemen doe pull off all, except it bee some few haires which are left at the hinder part of their head, and it is held an affront for any one to presume to touch them. They lay faire Carpets or Quilts upon the ground, and upon them they sleepe, and dine upon them, kneeling on their knees, and sitting on their thighs. They have as great a care of cleanlinesse as the Chinoans, who by the helpe of two stalkes which they use at meales, doe neither let any thing fall by, nor have no need to wipe their fingers. They come to supper without shooes, that so they may not foule the Carpet with treading on it. The poorer sort especially by the Sea side doe live by Hearbs, Rice, and Fish: the rich have great sett Banquets: at every Dish the Guests Trenchers are changed which have no Napkins belonging to them but are made of Cedar or Pine wood, and are a hand-breadth thick. Their meate is served in, in the forme of a Pyramis, besprinkled with Gold, with Cypresse boughes sticking in it. And sometimes Fowle with gilded Bills and Feete, are brought in whole in great Dishes. Here the Portugals doe trade, for here are found great store of Pearles, and Rubies, and other Pretious Stones, and also Gold which doe make the Iland very rich.</blockquote>

			=== 1638. The merchants mappe of commerce wherein by Lewes Roberts. ===
			<blockquote>Of the Iland of Iapan, and the Trade thereof.

			JAPAN is scituated over against Canton in China, having in length 600 miles, but narrow in breadth, in some places 90, and in some but 30 miles: it obeys 66 severall Soveraignes, the King of Tense holding the principall authority, commanding 50 of the 66 above mentioned Kingdomes, every King, Lord and Master having full power and authority over the goods and lives of the subjects, servants and children subject unto him. It was discovered by the Portugall Anno 1542, and since is much frequented by Jesuites, who in great numbers have setled themselves here, and are found to exercise trade and commerce, as cunningly and subtilly as any Jew elsewhere in the World.

			Their chiefe Townes are Osacaia, Bunguin, Meaco, and are the principall Ports frequented by Merchants strangers: the commodities of this place and Ilands, is silver in some good measure •…gged up here, and carryed hence by Merchants to China to exchange for silkes, and principally rice, which is found here growing in such aboundance, that the King or Emperour draweth 2 millions of duccats yearely, out of that which is gathered from his owne possessions, which he hath received as his owne demesne; and at Firando one of the Ilands of Iapan, the English have setled a factory for trade, in 1613 by Capt. Saris labour and industrie.

			The civill warres that continually vexeth these Ilands, hinders an exact survey of the materialls, whereby their trade is driven; yet so farre as I have collected I will here insert.

			Their moneys currant for the most part through these Ilands are thus termed, and with some small difference have this value.

			Their silver coines currant is A Tayle, A Mas, and A Condery.

			A Tayle is a ℞ of 〈◊〉 or 5 sh. starling, or ½ Tayle of Siam; and this A Taile is 10 Mas, or 100 Conderies.

			A Mas is 10 Conderies, or 6 d starling.

			And in some places the R 8/8 passeth for 74 Condereis onely and no more.

			Their gold is coyned into two small Barres of two severall sorts, the one is called an Ichebo, worth about 15 in 16 mas of silver; the other is called A Coban, worth from 60 to 68 mas, which may be valued from 30 sh. to 34 sh. starling. The warres that continually vexeth this Countrey is the cause of this inconstant rate and price thereof.

			The weights in use in Iapan is the Pecull and the Cattee.

			A Pecull is 10 Cattees.

			A Cattee is accounted by some 21 ounces, and by some 20¾ o•… haberdepois; so that a pecul is about 130 li. or 131 li, English.

			Their measure of length is an Inckhen or Tattamy, which is 〈◊〉. yards English; 25 yards being 12 Tattamies.

			Their measure for rice is thus accounted,

			A Gant is 3 Cocas, being as much as three English alepints.

			An Icke Gaga is 100 Gantas.

			One Ickmagog is 1000 Ickgogas.

			One Mangoga is 10000 Ickmagogs.</blockquote>

	=== 1652. Cosmographie in four bookes by Peter Heylyn. ===		=== 1652. Cosmographie in four bookes by Peter Heylyn. ===

Admin: /* 1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome. */

2025-01-11T16:10:46Z

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:10, 11 January 2025
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	Adjoining to Japan, betwixt it and China, lyeth the Iland of COREA, extended in length from North to South: the people whereof being distressed by the Japonites, called in the Chinese, by whom delivered from their Enemies, and restored to liberty, as before was noted.</blockquote>		Adjoining to Japan, betwixt it and China, lyeth the Iland of COREA, extended in length from North to South: the people whereof being distressed by the Japonites, called in the Chinese, by whom delivered from their Enemies, and restored to liberty, as before was noted.</blockquote>

			=== 1676. A most exact and accurate map of the whole world by Donald Lupton. ===
			<blockquote>In the heap of Isles, containing fifty three Kingdoms, two hundred leagues; S. on the Sea called Japan, where the people are cunning, ambitious, implacable, hating idle recreations; eating in Physick sharp salt, and raw things; using in salutations to put off their shooe: is 1 Meaco, the common staple of Japan. 2 Ossacy, of great trade. 3 Feno-Jama their University and Banoum. 4 Bongo. 5 Cora, where at least one tooth of their Kings must be interred. 6 Amanga S•qui. 7 Surungo, as big as London. 8 Edoo and Firando, where 1613 there was a Factory setled for the English Merchants. 9 The noted Haven Ochino-famanus.</blockquote>

	=== 1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome. ===		=== 1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome. ===

Admin at 04:43, 29 December 2024

2024-12-29T04:43:23Z

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