Blaue's Seventeenth-Century Map of Jiangxi Province

Johannes Blaeu; Martino Martini. KIANGSI, IMPERII SINARUM PROVINCIA OCTAVA. [Amsterdam]: [1655 or later]. From Blaeu's Novus Atlas Sinensis; a copper engraving with hand-coloring; presenting the southeastern Chinese province in detail from Poyang Lake down to Guangdong Province, with mountains, trees, buildings, and a key and elaborate title cartouche on the right; displayed matted and in a wooden frame.

Image size 15 1/2 x 19 in.; Frame dimensions 22 1/2 x 26 1/2 x 3/4 in.

From the Collection of a Lady, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Novus Atlas Sinensis was the first European atlas of China. First published in Amsterdam in 1655, it offered seventeen double-page maps, including one of China, one of Japan, and fifteen of Chinese provinces. It was compiled by the Italian Jesuit Martino Martini and published by Joannes Blaeu.

With centerfold, as issued, a few spots of foxing, slight offsetting from being folded, edge toning, and some small damp stains mostly at tail of centerfold and the lower margin; not examined outside the frame. A lovely and bright example.