In fine editorial binding

BLAEU, Joan.

Theatrum Orbis Terrarum sive Novus Atlas. Pars Sexta: Novus Atlas Sinensis a Martino Martinius descriptus.

Amsterdam: J. Blaeu, 1655.

1st Edition. Hardcover. Very Good. Item #004017

Large folio (517 x 336 mm). [12], 171, [25], xii, 33, [3] pp. Latin text predominantly printed in double columns and with woodcut initials; engraved allegorical title within an architectual border with cherubs and 17 double-page engraved maps; the title (heightened with gold) and the maps all finely colored in a contemporary hand, the title and embellishments fully colored; each leaf of text and plates mounted on guard. Original (editorial) Dutch gilt-tooled vellum with yapp edges and green silk ties, contemporary manuscript title on paper mounted on front cover, spine titled in gilt manuscript; all edges gilt (vellum over spine with tears and minor chips, ties partly gone). Protected in elegant, custom-made, brown half morocco clamshell with green morocco lettering piece on spine and 2 brown lettering pieces on front cover. Some light foxing and browning of text pages (some pages stronger) as usual, light foxing and browning of maps; minor restoration to margins of final leaves, O1 with small repaired tear at the lower margin without loss, light pale waterstaining to upper blank margin of gathering X, some plates with creases close to gutter, light finger soiling in places.
A SPLENDID COPY IN PUBLISHER'S GILT VELLUM OF THE FIRST EUROPEAN ATLAS ENTIRELY DEDICATED TO CHINA. The sixth volume of the Blaeus' Novus Atlas is the work of Martinus Martini (1614-1661), a Jesuit who was sent to China in 1642, returned to Europe in 1654, when he prepared this atlas, then ventured back to China. Martini based his survey on the Ming revision of the Yü t'u, unlike d'Anville's atlas, which used Jesuit surveys. D'Anville notes in his Mémoire: "Martini made use of the maps which the Chinese possessed at the time. They do great honour to that nation and make them superior in this connection to any other Asian people" (pp. 25-26; quoted in Lust). Martini's text is based on his Sinicae historiae: "... it was far in advance of any previous European work. For the period it was remarkably accurate, being the first to show a more correct eastern coast-line with the Shantung promontory" (Tooley, Maps and Map-Makers, p. 106). It remained the standard source until the publication of J. B. du Halde's Description ... de l'Empire de la Chine in 1735, based on surveys carried out by another Jesuit priest, Father Regis, in 1708-18. The hand-colored double-page maps consist of a general map of China, 15 maps of its provinces, and a map of Japan. The atlas also includes Golius' "De Regno Catayo Additamentum" and Martini's "De Bello Tartarico Historia."
The firm of Blaeu operated in Amsterdam from 1596 until 1672. The founder Willem Blaeu studied under the celebrated Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe and began producing globes and scientific instrument before expanding his business to include maps, charts, and books. He was appointed Chief Cartographer to the Dutch East India Company in 1633 and upon his death in 1638, the business was passed on to his sons, Joan and Cornelis who continued their father's work.
References and Bibliography: Koeman, Atlantes Neerlandici, vol. I, Bl. 53, p. 196; Lust, Western Books on China published up to 1850, 160; Cordier, Bibliotheca Sinica, 182. - Visit our website to see more images!

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