Catalog Archive
Auction 139, Lot 620

"Xansi, Imperii Sinarum Provincia Secunda", Blaeu, Johannes

Subject: China

Period: 1655 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19 x 15.8 inches
48.3 x 40.1 cm
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Based on the remarkably accurate compilations of the Jesuit Father Martino Martini during his travels between 1643 and 1650, this map of the Xansi (Shanxi) province features the Great Wall of China to the north. A legend at bottom left illustrates towns of various sizes, forts, and the locations of iron mines. The map is adorned with two decorative strapwork cartouches.

References:

Condition: B+

Lovely color and wide margins with faint toning along centerfold and a printer's crease adjacent to centerfold. A short tear in right blank margin has been repaired with archival tape, and there are professional paper repairs in bottom left margin, well away from map image.

Estimate: $550 - $700

Sold for: $400

Closed on 2/15/2012

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