"Tartariae sive Magni Chami Regni Typus", Ortelius, Abraham

This extremely decorative map is the earliest map to focus on the North Pacific and is one of the earliest depictions of Northwestern America. While designed to illustrate the expansive Kingdom of the Great Khan in Asia, its main feature is the Stretto di Anian. Ortelius' depiction increased public awareness of Gastaldi's theory of a strait between the continents of Asia and America. The map covers northern Russia, China, and a very early depiction of Japan, which is located just off the American shore. The map was beautifully engraved by Frans Hogenberg and is filled with decoration including two encampments of Tartars, sailing ships, a flying fish and two elaborate strapwork cartouches. Italian text and page 117 on verso indicate this map was published in either 1608 or 1612.

References: Burden #41; Van Den Broecke #163; Wagner (NW) 81; Wheat (TMW) 16; Walter #11E.

Condition: B

Beautiful impression and fine original color on a full sheet with wide margins. A couple small, light areas of offsetting from pressed flowers, and a small area of paper transfer at centerfold in lower border, else very good.