Catalog Archive
Auction 134, Lot 627

"[Tabula Octava Asiae Continet Scythiam extra Imaum montem, & Sericam]", Ptolemy/Fries

Subject: Central Asia

Period: 1541 (published)

Publication: Claudii Ptolemaei Alexandrini Geographicae

Color: Hand Color

Size:
15.5 x 12 inches
39.4 x 30.5 cm
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Woodblock map illustrating the Ptolemaic concept of the central Asian steppe, ancient Schytia Extra Imaum, in a trapezoidal projection. The kingdom of Serica is shown, which is thought to represent "land where silk comes from." The map is reduced from Martin Waldseemuller's map. Title is on verso.

References: Mickwitz & Miekkavaara, (Nordenskiold) #211-22.

Condition: B+

Wide original margins and sturdy paper. Some worming along the centerfold has been professionally infilled.

Estimate: $200 - $275

Sold for: $150

Closed on 12/1/2010

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