China - China; Cluver - Imperii Sinarum Nova Descriptio - 1697

Condition: good, with slight discoloration. Short margins.

Beautiful small map based on the important Martini/Blaeu map of the Chinese realm. It shows a considerable number of provinces and cities that are named inland. The Great Wall is depicted along the northern border. A large fictitious inland lake labeled Kia Lacus is the source of five major southern rivers. The map extends to Formosa, Korea, and parts of Japan and Laos. The title cartouche shows a Jesuit with a Chinese nobleman and warrior and a large incense burner. This is the first state with "Tab 37" in the upper right.

Cluver's Introductio in Universam Geographicam was a popular atlas, which appeared in more than 45 editions over a period of 100 years. The first edition was published without maps in 1620, and the first edition with maps was published around 1641. The various editions were published in different cities across Europe, including Amsterdam, Nuremberg, and London. This map is from an Amsterdam edition published by Jan Wolters.