"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. Latin text on verso.

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

Condition: A

Faint damp stains in wide original blank margins. There is a minor repaired tear in the bottom margin, well away from the map.