Catalog Archive
Auction 184, Lot 672

Blaeu's Map of China Featuring Fictitious Lakes and Rivers

"China Veteribus Sinarum Regio nunc Incolis Tame Dicta", Blaeu, (Family)

Subject: China, Korea & Japan

Period: 1635 (published)

Publication: Toonneel des Aerdrycks

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.5 x 16.2 inches
49.5 x 41.1 cm
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Several large lakes dominate the topography of this elegantly engraved map of China. The Great Wall forms the northern boundary of China. The fictitious Chiamay Lacus is shown with numerous rivers flowing south into India and Siam. Korea is depicted as a strangely shaped island separated from the mainland by a narrow strait. Taiwan is located in a roughly correct position, named as both Pakan al I. Formosaand Tayoan The three main islands of Japan are shown on the Ortelius/Teixeira model. A fine title cartouche is flanked by a Chinese woman and man. The map is further adorned with a coat of arms (dedicated to Theodore Bas, a director of the Dutch East India Company), European ships and Chinese sampans. Dutch text on verso.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #8410:2A.

Condition: A

A sharp impression on a bright sheet with professional repairs to short centerfold separations at top and bottom and to a tear in the top blank margin.

Estimate: $1,600 - $1,900

Sold for: $1,200

Closed on 9/15/2021

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