Catalog Archive
Auction 94, Lot 369

"Tartaria sive Magni Chami Imperium", Blaeu, (Family)

Subject: Northern Asia

Period: 1635 (circa)

Publication: Novus Atlas

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.5 x 14.4 inches
49.5 x 36.6 cm
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Blaeu's finely engraved map of Tartaria and northern China. Being one of the most remote regions of Asia, it was among the last to be properly explored and mapped. This map combines the knowledge obtained by the English and Dutch explorers as far as the Ob River with the balance of the map based on the reports of Marco Polo and the Greek classics. The deserts are filled with a wild assortment of devils and dragons, being held at bay from China by the Great Wall. The title is symbolically engraved onto the saddle blanket of a camel, representing the trade over the Silk Road, and explorers flank the distance scale. A fine example with original color, and Latin text on verso.

References:

Condition: A+

Couple of tiny spots of candle wax in wide margins, still fine condition.

Estimate: $400 - $475

Sold for: $375

Closed on 3/7/2001

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