Sign In

- Or use -
Forgot Password Create Account
Description

This map of the "Northern Part of the Sea of Japan with Part of the Tatar Strait," is a Russian cartographic depiction of the northern Sea of Japan and its surrounding regions. Created under the auspices of the Russian Navy, the map reflects the Empire's strategic interest in the Far East during the mid-19th century.

Using a Mercator projection, the map presents detailed coastlines of Sakhalin Island, northern Japan, and the Asian mainland along the Tatar Strait (now the Strait of Tartary). Sakhalin Island, labeled as Остров Сахалин, is prominently featured, with careful attention to its eastern and southern coasts, a region of growing importance due to territorial disputes between Russia and Japan. The Tatar Strait is shown as the critical waterway separating Sakhalin from the mainland, connecting the Sea of Japan to the Sea of Okhotsk.

Historically, this map emerged during a period of heightened exploration and geopolitical tension. The mid-19th century saw intensified Russian efforts to expand their influence in the Far East, with Sakhalin Island being a focal point of territorial contention between Russia and Japan. The map reflects this context, following agreements like the Treaty of Shimoda (1855) that attempted to resolve border disputes. Additionally, it underscores Russia's broader ambitions to secure navigation routes and assert control in strategically significant regions.

The map title translates as follows:

Mercator map of the northern part of the Sea of Japan and part of the Tatar Strait, based on the analyzed map of 1856. Lithographed in the Geographical Department of the Naval Ministry. 1859.

The region shown was the subject of significant exploration in the 1850s.  Between 1853 and 1855, Admiral Yevfimiy Putyatin, a prominent Russian diplomat and naval officer, led several voyages to the Sea of Japan and surrounding areas, including charting parts of the Tatar Strait. His explorations supported Russia's claim to the Amur River region and its interest in developing trade routes. These missions also served a diplomatic purpose, as Putyatin used them to strengthen relations with Japan, culminating in the signing of the Treaty of Shimoda in 1855.

Gennady Nevelskoy was another key figure in Russian exploration of the Far East during this period. Between 1848 and 1855, he led missions to map the Amur River estuary, the Tatar Strait, and the northern Sakhalin Island coastline. In 1851, Nevelskoy’s team confirmed the existence of the Tatar Strait, which was previously believed to be a closed bay. This significant discovery established Sakhalin as an island rather than a peninsula. Nevelskoy's hydrographic surveys laid the groundwork for safer navigation and facilitated the establishment of future Russian settlements in the region.

From 1853 to 1857, the Hydrographic Expedition of the Naval Ministry concentrated on mapping the Sea of Japan, including its major coastal features, bays, and islands, such as the Peter the Great Gulf and the western shores of Sakhalin Island. This hydrographic work was conducted alongside broader efforts to secure and map territories during and after the Crimean War (1853–1856), a conflict that challenged Russia's access to warm-water ports.

In 1856, the Russian Naval Ministry initiated systematic charting efforts of the Tatar Strait, culminating in the publication of a detailed map of the northern Sea of Japan and Tatar Strait in 1857.  

Vasily Babkin, a Russian naval officer and hydrographer, made significant contributions to the detailed mapping of the Sea of Japan and its surrounding coastal areas during the 1850s. His work provided critical information for both maritime trade and military planning, enhancing Russia’s strategic capabilities in the region.

During this period, Russia also expanded its settlements and naval outposts along the Amur River, including key locations such as Nikolayevsk-on-Amur and De-Kastri Bay. These settlements required detailed nautical charts to ensure effective supply and defense. Coastal surveys were conducted to enable Russian ships to navigate these areas, particularly during the short navigational season, further solidifying Russia's foothold in the Far East.

Rarity

The map is very rare.

We were unable to locate any other examples.

Condition Description
Diagonal tear, splitting map into two pieces; repaired. Mounted on poster linen.