Catalog Archive
Auction 179, Lot 741

"Imperii Sinarum Nova Descriptio", Cluver, Philipp

Subject: China, Korea & Japan

Period: 1697 (published)

Publication: Introductio in Universam Geographicam

Color: Hand Color

Size:
10 x 8.1 inches
25.4 x 20.6 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

Handsome small map based on the important Martini/Blaeu map of the Chinese Empire. It shows a fair number of provinces and cities named in the interior. The Great Wall is depicted along the northern border. A large fictitious interior lake labeled Kia Lacus is the source of five large, southern rivers. The map extends to include Formosa, Korea and parts of Japan and Laos. The title cartouche depicts a Jesuit with a Chinese nobleman and warrior and a large incense pot.

Cluver's Introductio in Universam Geographicam was a popular atlas, appearing in over 45 editions during a 100-year period. The first edition was published without maps in the 1620s, and the first edition to include maps was published circa 1641. The various editions were published in different cities throughout Europe, including Amsterdam, Nuremberg, and London. This map is from an Amsterdam edition published by Jan Wolters.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.CLUV-8a #34.

Condition: A

A dark impression with a damp stain along the centerfold at top and light toning along the edges of the sheet.

Estimate: $275 - $350

Sold for: $180

Closed on 9/16/2020

Archived