Bird’s eye view of Osaka castle

Title on object: Casteel Osacca

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.

Legend 1 through 55.

Other copies: Österreichische Nationalbibliothek Van der Hem 41:27; Carte di Castello 8.

Part of the Atlas Vingboons, Nationaal Archief.