This remarkable map with original hand-coloring is from Joan Blaeu's Novus Atlas Sinensis a Martino Martinio. The work was published by Joan Blaeu in 1655.

European powers were exploring much of the Far East in the 1600s. Martino Martini, a Jesuit missionary, was at the forefront of these interactions. The missionaries travels and observations helped inform Europe of the people and lands of China and the Far East. Martini's mapping was the first advancement of knowledge of the region in half a century influencing trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.

This map shows the Great Wall across the top of the map. It also shows important salt fields along the coast. Peking is noted as Xuntien. The cartouche shows the Emperor and Empress and pheonix perched between.

Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638) was a prominent Dutch geographer and publisher that studied under Tycho Brahe. Willem died in 1638. He had two sons, Cornelis (1610-1648) and Joan (1596-1673). Joan trained as a lawyer, but joined his father’s business rather than practice law. After his father’s death, the brothers took over their father’s shop and Joan took on his work as hydrographer to the Dutch East India Company. Later in life, Joan would modify and greatly expand his father’s Atlas novus, eventually releasing his masterpiece, the Atlas maior, between 1662 and 1672.

Martino Martini (1614-1661) was a Jesuit Missionary born in Trient in South Tirol, Italy. He travelled to China in 1642 where he gathered maps of various Chinese provinces that helped present the cartography of the Far East. He also wrote a history of the Tartars war against China.

Paper Size ~ 26 1/2" by 20 3/4" (Fold Out)

The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.