"China" by Mercator/Jansson

Subject: China, Korea & Japan

Creator: Mercator/Jansson

Date: 1648 (circa)

Color: Black & White

Size: 7.6 x 5.3 inches

Source: Atlas Minor

Description: This handsome map of the region is based on the folio map by Jodocus Hondius and was designed for the Atlas Minor, first published in 1628. The eastern part of China (bounded in the north by the Great Wall) is dominated by several large lakes and major rivers. Korea is depicted as a strangely shaped island. The three main islands of Japan are shown below the strapwork cartouche. Americae Pars appears in the upper right corner separated from Asia by a narrow Anian Strait. Engraved by Petrus Kaerius. German text on verso, published 1648-51.

This map was re-engraved for Jan Jansson's editions of the Atlas Minor, published in 5 editions between 1628-51. The copperplates for the original Atlas Minor editions published by Hondius were sold to parties in England between 1621-25. Jansson commissioned Pieter van den Keere and Abraham Goos to engrave new plates, which were close copies of the original editions.

Condition: A due to a slightly toned sheet with damp staining along the left edge well away from map image

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. III) #8410:352.1