"Amacao", Bry, Theodore de

The main buildings and sites of the Portuguese settlement at Macao are visible in this rare, early view. Macao, the first European colony in China, was established by the Portuguese in about 1557 at the south-west entrance to the Pearl River estuary. Macao quickly became a strategic stronghold for European voyages and remained a principal focal point of European voyages in the Far East and Pacific. The settlement derived its name from the Chinese goddess Ama, whose Temple is depicted here as the three-windowed circular building just to the left of the upper centerfold. The city is viewed from the adjacent Lappa island and is built around the central square of La Misericordia where the prominent crucifix is clearly visible. The inhabitants are seen going about their daily business loading ships and fishing, with merchants being carried in jiaos (sedan chairs) or under the shade of large umbrellas borne by their servants.

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Condition: A+

Fine impression and wide original margins.