Volume six of Blaeu's superb atlas is the first western atlas of China & Japan. This volume is based on the remarkably accurate compilations of the Jesuit Father Martino Martini during his travels between 1643 and 1650. All text pages and title page are present. Includes Martini's description in 171 pages, plus 9 dedication pages, 19 pages of tables, 6 index pages, and 33 'additamentum' pages of text. Dedication page is dated January 7, 1655. Only the first 6 maps (of 17) are present and represent the provinces of Peking, Honan, Sechuan, Huquang, Xensi, and Xansi. Original vellum binding with beautiful gold embossed decoration. Vellum over boards with some warping from shrinkage of vellum. A beautiful and rare atlas, even in this partial condition; worthy of being completed by the atlas collector.

References: Koeman, I, Bl. 53.

Condition: B

Maps and text toned with scattered foxing. On exceptionally thick paper.