Important and Scarce Antique Map of Asia from Jesuit Sources, C.1713

€ 3 500

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Date: 1713
Sheet size: 51 × 71.5 cm (20.1 × 28.1 in)
Reference: BG-07146

What the condition grades mean

Excellent: Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good: Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good: Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair: Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.

Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.

Condition

Very good, some small tears and repairs. General age-related toning. Please review the images for further condition details.

About this sheet

Antique map titled 'L'Asie selon les nouvelles observations de Messrs de l'Academie des Sciences etc'. The main focus of this important and scarce map of Asia is the delineation of the northeast part of the continent from Jesuit sources. The northeast coast is severely truncated with the discoveries of Nicolas Witsen shown, and the partial coastlines of Jesso and Compagnies Land are depicted to the north of Japan. Inset in the North Pacific is a map of that same region based on the information from Father Martino Martini. It shows Jesso connected to the mainland with a narrow strait between it and a huge Compagnies Land. An inset below, taken from Father Ferdinand Verbiest, illustrates the road between Peking and Kirin and Nincrita. Father Verbiest's world map of 1674, which he compiled for the Chinese, subsequently led to the Jesuits obtaining a commission to make a comprehensive topographical survey for the empire. Although this was not completed until 1717, evidence that some of this new information was reaching Europe before that date is found on this map. The large title cartouche shows the female representation of Asia surrounded by a wealth of trade goods with a caravan in the background. A Latin title is in the top margin: ""Asia in Praecipuas Ipsius Partes Distributa (..)"".

Artists and Engravers: Pieter van der Aa (Leiden 1659-1733) was a Dutch publisher best known for preparing maps and atlases.

Image size: 65 x 46.5 cm.