“Detailed Bird’s-eye View Map of Mount Kōya” Meiji 44 (1911) – Pre-modern pilgrimage landscape A rare and beautifully rendered bird’s-eye view map of Mount Kōya, produced in 1911, just before the region underwent major modernization. Highlights: Detailed depiction of temple complexes: Kongōbu-ji, Danjō Garan, the Great Pagoda, Okunoin Pilgrimage routes, valleys, ridges, and mountain passes illustrated in three-dimensional style Pre-modern lodging quarters, old place names, and now-lost structures Represents Kōyasan during the final phase of traditional pilgrimage culture Valuable for religious studies, regional history, and early Japanese cartography Meiji-era bird’s-eye maps are highly scarce, and this example is particularly significant due to its subject matter and artistic quality. ・Value as a Bird's-Eye View A powerful composition depicting the entire mountain from a bird's-eye view Detailed depictions of temple locations, including the Konpon Daito Pagoda, Kongobu-ji Temple, Okunoin, and Danjo Garan The precise location of the approach, stream, mountain pass, and teahouse are depicted. Soft lines, unique to Meiji-era bird's-eye views, combined with three-dimensional shading A faith-centered spatial perception completely different from modern maps Highly skilled as a bird's-eye view, it is also an excellent piece to appreciate. ・Historical Value as a Local Resource Includes numerous old paths from before the modernization of Koyasan's pilgrimage route. The old names of temples and lodgings remain, making it useful for religious history research. A rare resource conveying the atmosphere of mountain worship at the end of the Meiji period. Place names, buildings, and settlements that have since been lost can be identified. The faith-centered composition, unlike that of typical maps, enhances its value as a resource. This is one of the few maps that provides a three-dimensional understanding of the pre-modern Mount Koyasan. ・Why is it so highly rated? There are very few remaining Meiji-era bird's-eye views. Mount Koya is a region of high religious value. Compared to colored bird's-eye views from the Taisho and Showa periods, they are far less common on the market. The historical context of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism and mountain worship remains strong. Among modern maps, these are among the most accurate. If in good condition, they are highly sought-after items among local history collectors, religious history researchers, and bird's-eye view enthusiasts. Please check the photos for condition.