Catalog Archive
Auction 143, Lot 694

"A New Map of Present Asia", Wells, Edward

Subject: Asia

Period: 1700 (circa)

Publication: A New Sett of Maps both of Ancient and Present Geography

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.5 x 14.4 inches
49.5 x 36.6 cm
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This finely engraved map includes all of continental Asia, Japan, Philippines and Indonesia as well as much of eastern Africa. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who filled their maps with fictitious and imaginary topographical features, Wells leaves large blank areas noted as Parts Yet Undiscovered. However, the long held mythical Chiama Lake is still the major geographical feature of central China and the source of the Nile in Africa is shown according to Ptolemy. Four cartouches decorate the map including one that dedicates the map to William, Duke of Gloucester who was Wells' pupil at Oxford.

References: Yeo #88.

Condition: A

Nice impression with a couple minor printer’s creases, faint offsetting and light stains. A couple of short tears in the blank margins have been professionally repaired.

Estimate: $375 - $450

Sold for: $300

Closed on 2/13/2013

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