Catalog Archive
Auction 133, Lot 613

"China", Mercator/Hondius

Subject: China, Korea & Japan

Period: 1635 (circa)

Publication: Historia Mundi

Color: Hand Color

Size:
7.4 x 5.6 inches
18.8 x 14.2 cm
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A charming map reduced from Jodocus Hondius' important map of the kingdom of China. Oriented with north to the right, it shows the eastern part of China (bounded in the west by the Great Wall) dominated by several large lakes and major rivers. Korea as a strangely shaped island, and the three main islands of Japan and the north part of the Philippines are included. English text on verso with some interesting comments on Chinese society. The Historia Mundi was published by Thomas Cotes and W. Saltonstall of London in 1635, and reissued in 1637 and 1639. The maps were printed from the 1607 plates from the Atlas Minor.

References:

Condition: A+

There is a small rust stain in the blank margin, well away from the map.

Estimate: $375 - $450

Sold for: $425

Closed on 9/1/2010

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