"Queicheu. Imperii Sinarum Provincia Decimaquarta", Blaeu, Johannes

The second landmark in the European mapping of China was the appearance of the Novus Atlas Sinensis in 1655. It was compiled by Father Martino Martini, an Italian Jesuit and produced by the most prominent Dutch cartographer of the time, Johannes Blaeu. Father Martini compiled the work based on Chinese sources between 1643 and 1650, and it greatly advanced European knowledge of the region including the astronomical positions of many cities and topographical features. It remained the standard geographical work on that country until the publication in 1737 of D'Anville's Atlas de la Chine. This map of the Kuei-chou province is decorated with two fine cartouches featuring putti and Chinese men showing the costume of the region.

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Condition: C

Lovely original color with extensive offsetting. Few edge tears, well away from the map, with a couple of tape repairs in margins. Map is presentable as is, but would benefit from professional conservation.