Catalog Archive
Auction 138, Lot 768

"China Veteribus Sinarum Regio nunc Incolis Tame Dicta", Blaeu, (Family)

Subject: China, Korea & Japan

Period: 1640 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.8 x 16.3 inches
50.3 x 41.4 cm
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Several large lakes dominate the topography of this elegantly engraved map of China. The Great Wall forms the northern boundary of China. The fictitious Chiamay Lacus is shown with numerous rivers flowing south into India and Siam. Korea is depicted as a strangely shaped island separated from the mainland by a narrow strait. Taiwan is located in a roughly correct position, named as both Pakan al I. Formosaand Tayoan The three main islands of Japan are shown on the Ortelius/Teixeira model. A fine title cartouche is flanked by a Chinese woman and man. The map is further adorned with a coat of arms (dedicated to Theodore Bas, a director of the Dutch East India Company), European ships and Chinese sampans. German text on verso.

References:

Condition: A

Wide, clean margins with an unobtrusive spot at right.

Estimate: $1,900 - $2,200

Sold for: $1,500

Closed on 12/7/2011

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