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.

References: 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.