Catalog Archive
Auction 168, Lot 629

"China Regio Asie", Ortelius/Vrients

Subject: China & Japan

Period: 1601 (published)

Publication: Epitome Theatri Orteliani

Color: Hand Color

Size:
4.1 x 3 inches
10.4 x 7.6 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This is the miniature version of Ortelius' important map focusing on China. The map is oriented with north to the right and extends to include parts of Indo-China. The Great Wall is prominently delineated and several huge lakes and rivers dominate the interior. A portion of Japan appears at bottom center. Latin text on verso.

This map was published in Filips Galle's series of Epitome, which first appeared in 1588. Galle was unimpressed with the maps in the Spieghel der Wereld, and therefore gradually replaced nearly all of them through the various editions of his Epitome. The new maps had simple double-lined borders and were widely copied by others. The plates were acquired by Jan Baptist Vrients circa 1600, who published three more editions in 1601 and 1602, retouching some of the plates and replacing a few more. By the time Vrients' 1601 edition was published, only 10 of the original maps remained.

References: King (2nd Ed.) pp. 64-65 & 88-89; Van der Krogt (Vol. III) #8410:332.

Condition: B+

A nice impression on watermarked paper with light toning and marginal soiling.

Estimate: $200 - $230

Sold for: $150

Closed on 6/6/2018

Archived