China
€ 1 340
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Near excellent and rare in this condition: the map is almost 400 years old! Strong impression with vibrant hand-coloring and wide margins. Light age-toning typical of a work of this period.
This beautiful 17th-century map of the regions that now comprise Hunan and Hubei Provinces, historically referred to as "Hvqvang," was created by Johannes Blaeu and published in 1655 as part of the *Novus Atlas Sinensis*. This map, drawn with input from Jesuit missionary Martino Martini, provides a meticulous representation of central China’s geography, capturing its rivers, towns, and mountainous terrain.
The Yangtze River (Changjiang) is prominently featured, emphasizing the region’s importance as a vital waterway for trade and transportation. Wuhan, now a modern metropolis, and Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, were historically significant cities that appear on the map. The area is also notable for its fertile lands and contributions to China’s agricultural prosperity, particularly in rice and tea production.
The decorative cartouche in the lower-right corner features two figures in traditional Chinese attire standing amid bamboo, symbolizing the cultural and natural richness of the region. Blaeu’s map combines precision and artistry, with vibrant hand-coloring distinguishing boundaries and geographical features. The copperplate engraving ensures fine detail, making this map a remarkable historical artifact.
Condition: Near excellent. Clean impression with vivid hand-coloring. Wide margins with minor age-toning appropriate for its age.
Framing Tips: Use a neutral double mat and a gilt or dark wood frame to enhance the presentation. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the vivid hand-coloring and intricate engraving details.
Hunan and Hubei, historically referred to as "Hvqvang," are known for their strategic location along the Yangtze River and their cultural and economic significance in Chinese history. The region’s fertile lands have supported extensive rice cultivation, earning it the title of one of China’s "breadbaskets." Hubei, with Wuhan at its center, has long been a hub of transportation and trade, owing to the convergence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers. Hunan, with Changsha as its capital, is known for its rich cultural heritage and contributions to Chinese literature and art.
Important places in the region include Wuhan, an ancient trade center, and Changsha, known for its historical sites and cultural prominence. The Yangtze River, a key feature on the map, highlights the region’s historical importance as a major waterway for commerce and agriculture. Other notable features include Dongting Lake, a vital ecological and cultural landmark, and the surrounding mountainous areas that have shaped the region’s history and development.
Keywords: antique map of Hunan, Hubei map, Hvqvang map, Yangtze River map, 17th-century Chinese map, Blaeu map, Novus Atlas Sinensis, Martino Martini, decorative cartouche, copperplate engraving, hand-colored map, Chinese cartography, and Dutch Golden Age maps. These keywords reflect the map’s historical, cultural, and artistic significance for collectors and enthusiasts.
