Current Auction
Lot 639
Current Auction

The First European-Printed Map of China in Full Contemporary Color

"Chinae, olim Sinarum Regionis, Nova Descriptio. Auctore Ludovico Georgio", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: China

Period: 1584 (dated)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18.7 x 14.5 inches
47.5 x 36.8 cm
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This landmark map provides a fascinating view of the mysterious orient from a Renaissance perspective. Ortelius based the map on the work of Jorge de Barbuda, a Portuguese Jesuit also known as Ludovicus Georgius, whose manuscript map reached Ortelius by way of Arias Montanus. The depiction, which became the standard image of China for over half a century, shows the legendary kingdom at an early point in European exploration of the region. The map is oriented with north to the right and extends into parts of Indo-China, the Philippines and part of Japan. The Great Wall is prominently delineated and several huge lakes and rivers dominate the topography. Illustrations in the interior include tent cities of the Tartars, stags, elephants and elaborate sail-powered carriages. The map is further adorned with three ornamental cartouches. This is the third state, with Spanish text and page 119 on verso, published in 1609, 1612 or 1641.

See also lot 789 for Lutz Walter's Japan - A Cartographic Vision - European Printed Maps from the Early 16th to the 19th Century that describes this map.

References: Caboara #1; Walter #11F; Van den Broecke #164.3.

Condition: B

Full contemporary color on a lightly toned, watermarked sheet with light offsetting and a bit of show through from verso. The green pigment has oxidized to brown, but the paper is still supple. There are archival repairs to a centerfold separation at bottom and to a pair of short cracks in the blue leaves above the title cartouche.

Estimate: $3,000 - $3,750

Current High Bid:
$0

Reserve: Reserve Not Met
Next Bid: $1,500

Bid Increments
$1,000 - $2,499$100
$2,500 - $4,999$250
$5,000 - $9,999$500
$10,000 - $24,999$1,000
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