"Asie Divisee en ses Principaux Etats, Empires & Royaumes", Robert de Vaugondy/Delamarche

Originally by the Robert de Vaugondy family, this map was reissued by their successor, Charles Francois Delamarche. The map is based on the work of the Robert de Vaugondy family, but was re-engraved by Delamarche with an updated cartouche and incorporating the latest information gathered by recent explorations. It is an intricately engraved map with plenty of place names and topographical detail. Whereas on previous editions Hokkaido was shown attached to the Asian mainland, in this edition it is depicted as a series of islands north of Japan labeled Isles de Jeso. Another change is the omission of a partial coastline east of Kamchatka, which was often called Compagnies Land and was based on sightings from several explorers. Although Terra de la Compagnie is noted in the table at right listing political divisions, a notation explains that it had been removed from the map due to the uncertainty of its existence. Eight distance scales are enclosed in an ornate cartouche at bottom left.

References: cf. Pedley #373.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with contemporary outline color in the map and later color in the cartouches, on a bright sheet with the watermark of a Maltese cross encircled in rosary beads. There are two small rust spots in Russia, light soiling, and some extraneous creasing adjacent to the centerfold.