Catalog Archive
Auction 124, Lot 651

"Chinae Compendiosa descriptio", Bucelin, Gabriel

Subject: China

Period: 1658 (published)

Publication: Historiae Universalis Auctorium

Color: Hand Color

Size:
4.3 x 2.5 inches
10.9 x 6.4 cm
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This tiny map is a scarce derivative of the miniature version of Ortelius' important map focusing on China. The map is oriented with north to the right and extends to include parts of Indo-China and the northern part of the Philippines. The Great Wall is prominently delineated and several huge lakes and rivers dominate the interior. The title cartouche appears at the bottom next to part of Japan. In the first edition of King's book on miniature maps, he attributed Bucelin's maps to Johann Praetorius who was the publisher of Historiae Universalis Auctarium. Latin text on verso.

References: King (2nd ed.) pp. 126-127.

Condition: B+

There is some expert paper restoration in the margins and one area inside the cartouche with a couple of letters replaced in skilled facsimile. There is some faint show through of text on verso.

Estimate: $200 - $250

Sold for: $850

Closed on 5/7/2008

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