University of Tokyo Historiographical Institute - Shoen Estate Map Copy Collection

About

Historiographical Institute Shoen Estate Map Copy Database

Introduction

Among the reproductions of pictorial historical materials held by the Historiographical Institute of the University of Tokyo, the reproductions of shoen (manor) estate maps and temple/shrine precinct maps are outstanding in both quality and quantity (hereinafter collectively referred to as "shoen estate map copies"). Currently numbering around 80 items, the Institute has also recently received the Toranosuke Nishioka Collection of shoen estate map copies on deposit. Together, these collections make it possible to view reproductions of the majority of important shoen estate maps.

The Institute has published high-quality reproductions from large-format films of the original shoen estate maps in the Nihon Shoen Ezu Shuei (Collection of Japanese Shoen Estate Maps). However, this has not diminished the value of the "shoen estate map copies," as many of the originals have been lost or severely deteriorated.

Nevertheless, due to constraints of form and size, it has been difficult to compare these "shoen estate map copies" side by side, limiting their use. Researchers and citizens nationwide interested in estate maps have long awaited a more convenient and useful viewing method. This database was constructed to meet such expectations and has the following features and characteristics.

Database Features

  1. High-Resolution Image Viewing System The introduction of a high-resolution image viewing system enables observation of estate map details far superior to naked-eye examination.

  2. Provision of Basic Data Basic data for shoen estate map research is provided, including original measurements and transcriptions. Information on research papers and survey reports related to shoen estate maps is searchable, making it possible to immediately track the research status of a given map.

  3. Search by Image Information As an experimental attempt, the composition, patterns, and iconography of shoen estate maps have been converted to text as "image information." This textual description allows free searching of estate map expressions using arbitrary terms. By repeating searches with your own innovations, multifaceted map analysis and interpretation can be attempted.

Research on shoen estate maps has been steadily accumulated, and this database is accessible nationwide and worldwide. It may be possible to say that new developments in shoen estate map studies could emerge. We hope for your active use.

Database Contents

This database provides the following information:

Estate Map Copy Images

High-resolution image viewing system enables viewing at a level where minute characters are legible. Images were photographed on 4×5 inch film and scanned at high resolution for public access.

Traced Drawings

High-quality traced drawings based on uniform standards are provided. These were created by Japanese painters with excellent reproduction skills, using tracing paper and various types of ink from the plates included in Nihon Shoen Ezu Shuei.

Original Measurement Diagrams

While focusing on reproductions, measurement data from original surveys has been added. Original measurement diagrams were created from survey information accumulated by the estate map research group and provided as related information.

Administrative Information (Bibliographic Information)

The following items are recorded:

  • Shelf Number: Shelf number in the Historiographical Institute Library (request number for viewing)
  • Name: Name recorded in the collection register
  • Collection at Time of Reproduction: Original owner when reproduction was made
  • Dimensions: Vertical and horizontal dimensions of the reproduced map
  • Province Name: Location of the manor (old province name and current prefecture)
  • Reproduction Date: Year the reproduction was made at the Historiographical Institute
  • Original Creation Period: Period when the original of the reproduced map was created
  • Reproducer: Person who made the reproduction at the Historiographical Institute
  • Material/Coloring: Material and presence of coloring in the reproduced map

Transcription Information

Transcriptions of characters recorded on the maps are provided. Positions and numbers within the traced drawings are indicated to enable comparison with the traced drawings.

Image Information

This information aims to convert depicted iconography into text and enable map searching by vocabulary. It is an experimental attempt to appropriately express composition and depicted patterns in text, intended to enable searching maps using arbitrary vocabulary.

Usage

This database is constructed with the aim of advancing shoen estate map research and enabling access nationwide and worldwide. We hope it will be utilized not only by researchers but also by many people interested in shoen estate maps.

© Historiographical Institute, The University of Tokyo