17th century Kyoto map valued at $90,000 ahead of June 3 sale

A map of Kyoto produced in the 17th century will lead a sale of maps, atlases and colour plate books at Swann Auction Galleries on June 3.

It carries an estimate of $60,000-90,000 ahead of the sale.

map Kyoto Japan
The map of Kyoto shows the city as it was in the 10th or 11th century

The map was printed during the Edo period (1603-1867), but shows the city as it was in around the 10th or 11th century - before the Heian Palace Complex was destroyed in 1227.

It displays an exceptional level of detail, with individual trees picked out and each house colour coded to show the rank and status of its inhabitants, and unfurls to a length of 12 ½ feet.

It comes mounted on a six-panel folding screen with its original leather loops and metal fixtures.

A sketch attributed to Captain James Weir that shows the French line at the Battle of the Nile (1798) is valued at $20,000-30,000.

James Weir drawing Nile
Captain James Weir drew the French line shortly before the battle of the Nile in 1798

The engagement pitched the British, under Horatio Nelson, against the French under the command of Admiral Brueys. It represented the culmination of years of fighting between the two sides for control of Egypt.

The French were roundly defeated after Bruey's flagship exploded, with the majority of their ships sunk or captured.

Weir drew the sketch aboard the HMS Audacious, the crew of which are credited with the capture of the Conquerant.

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