Catalog Archive
Auction 174, Lot 699

"China Regio Asie", Ortelius/Galle

Subject: China

Period: 1590 (published)

Publication: Epitome du Theatre du Monde d'Abraham Ortelius

Color: Hand Color

Size:
4.1 x 3 inches
10.4 x 7.6 cm
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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. French text on verso. The first pocket version of Ortelius' Theatrum was published by Philippe Galle in 1577 as Spieghel der Werelt. Galle began a new edition with new plates, commonly known as the Epitome, in 1588. Galle's miniature atlas was quite popular, and was published in editions until 1602. From 1583 he gradually introduced a new set of maps, both adding to and replacing the originals. The plates were then passed to Jan B. Vrients, who retouched some of the plates and published the final editions of the Epitome in 1601 and 1602.

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

Condition: B+

A nice impression with light toning and marginal soiling.

Estimate: $200 - $230

Unsold

Closed on 9/11/2019

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