Map of China Based on Father Martino Martini's Travels

"Imperii Sinarum Nova Descriptio", Jansson, Jan

This superb map of the Chinese Empire is drawn largely from the Blaeu map compiled by Jesuit Father Martino Martini who traveled through the region between 1643 and 1650. It deviates from that model in its depiction of the Korean peninsula, which is shown with a cluster of islands at its southern tip. The map is embellished with sailing ships and Chinese junks. The title cartouche is flanked by Chinese and Jesuit men and the scale of miles cartouche is surrounded by putti. Engraved by Johannes van Loon and first issued by Jan Jansson in his Atlas Novus in 1657. Blank verso.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #8410:1C.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with light soiling and some extraneous creasing that has been pressed flat. There are a number of chips in the blank margins that have been professionally repaired, three of which enter the map border with minor loss of the neatline. A few short tears along the edges of the sheet have also been professionally repaired, several of which enter about 1/2" into the image.