Catalog Archive
Auction 143, Lot 706

"Quantung, Imperii Sinarum Provincia Duodecima", Blaeu, Johannes

Subject: Southern China

Period: 1655 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.5 x 16 inches
49.5 x 40.6 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 depicts the province of Guangdong (Quantung), on the southern shore of China, and extending to include Hainan. A legend at left identifies cities and towns of various sizes, forts, and mines for silver and lead. The mouth to the Pearl River is dotted with islands, including Macao and the islands that would eventually become Hong Kong. The important city of Guangzhou (Canton) is shown a little further north. The map is embellished with a strapwork cartouche flanked by Chinese figures and lotus flowers. Spanish text on verso.

References:

Condition: A

Attractive color on a bright sheet with full margins and a professionally repaired tear that enters 5" into image to the left of the title cartouche.

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200

Sold for: $2,750

Closed on 2/13/2013

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