Bird’s eye view of Osaka castle

Title on object: Afteijckeninge vant machtich Keijserlijck Casteel Osacca, geleegen int groot rijck Japan, besuijden de stadt Osacca, inde provincie van Qio

Osaka castle was built in the late sixteenth century and was the last castle to hold out against the Tokugawa. After it was conquered in 1615, the unification of Japan had been achieved. As opposed to most such castles, which were demolished after Japan’s unification, Osaka castle was restored and retained. On their court journeys to the Shogun, Company officials would have passed the castle. It is unknown, however, what source Vingboons used to make this watercolour.

Other copies: Österreichische Nationalbibliothek Van der Hem 41:27; Nationaal Archief VELH0619.82.

Part of the Carte di Castello, collected by Cosimo de Medici III in 1667 and 1669 during his tours through Europe. Cosimo III bought the 66 watercolours by Vingboons in December 1667 in Amsterdam, through mediation of Pieter Blaeu.