China - Korea

G. Cantelli da Vignola / G. de Rossi, Il Regno della China detto presentemente Catay e Mangin. Rome, 1682. A spectacular, highly important, and exceptionally scarce folio map of China, Korea, and Japan. Drafted by the prominent Italian court cartographer Giacomo Cantelli da Vignola (1643–1695) which was published in Rome in 1682 by Giovanni Giacomo de Rossi for his landmark atlas Mercurio Geografico. This map captures a pivotal transitional phase in European cartography. The title itself reflects the blending of medieval traditions (Marco Polo's "Cathay" for Northern China and "Mangi" for Southern China) with modern 17th-century updates, explicitly stating that these ancient terms are now known to represent the single Kingdom of China. The map features remarkably progressive details, including the accurate placement of Qinghai Lake (Kokonor). Korea is accurately mapped as an elongated peninsula rather than an island, and Japan is drawn using the advanced Cardim-Briet model following early Dutch maritime voyages. The upper-right corner features a large title cartouche. The text block sits directly beneath an imposing seated Oriental monarch (the Great Khan / Emperor), who is surrounded by opulent cornucopias overflowing with fruits, and accompanied by two playful cherubs (putti). In Original Hand-colour with some touch ups. Dimensions: 43,5 x 54 cm (gravure), 46,5 x 56,5 cm (paper). Good condition, little signs of use in white margin.

Estimation:€350

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