"Huquang, Imperii Sinarum Provincia Septima", Blaeu, Johannes

Subject: Eastern China
Period: 1655 (circa)
Publication: Novus Atlas Sinensis
Color: Hand Color
Size: 15.9 x 19.3

This map of the Hubei province is centered on the Yangtze River, Kiang Flu Pars. A legend at bottom left illustrates towns of various sizes, forts, and the locations of silver mines. The city of Vuchang (Wuhan) is located along the river. A strapwork title cartouche incorporates the scale of miles and is flanked by two rice farmers. Blank verso.

The second landmark in the European mapping of China was the appearance of the Novus Atlas Sinensis in 1655. It was compiled by Father Martino Martini, an Italian Jesuit and produced by the most prominent Dutch cartographer of the time, Johannes Blaeu. Father Martini compiled the work based on Chinese sources between 1643 and 1650, and it greatly advanced European knowledge of the region including the astronomical positions of many cities and topographical features. It remained the standard geographical work on that country until the publication in 1737 of D'Anville's Atlas de la Chine.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #8427:2.
Condition: A
Full contemporary color on a bright sheet with a large watermark of Atlas holding up the earth. A nice impression with just a hint of offsetting.