Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 13

1851 Tallis Map of China with Tibet, Formosa, and Burma – Engraved by J. Rapkin

$325.90
$407.3720% Off
£242.56
£303.2020% Off
€272
€34020% Off
CA$446.39
CA$557.9920% Off
A$496.49
A$620.6120% Off
CHF 259.25
CHF 324.0620% Off
MX$6,041.74
MX$7,552.1720% Off
NOK 3,311.03
NOK 4,138.7920% Off
SEK 3,105.16
SEK 3,881.4520% Off
DKK 2,070.64
DKK 2,588.3020% Off
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Title: 1851 Tallis Map of China with Tibet, Formosa, and Burma – Engraved by J. Rapkin Description: This is a finely engraved and delicately hand-colored map of China, published around 1851 by The London Printing and Publishing Company. It was drawn and engraved by J. Rapkin, with illustrations by A.H. Wray, and issued as part of John Tallis’s Illustrated Atlas, one of the last great decorative atlases of the 19th century. The map shows the territories of imperial China during the mid-19th century, including the provinces of Yunnan, Canton, Szechwan, and Shantung, as well as Tibet, Bhutan, parts of Burma, and the island of Formosa (modern-day Taiwan). The geography is detailed, with rivers, mountain ranges, major towns, and cities clearly labeled. The borders of regions are highlighted with original hand coloring. While many maps from Tallis’s series include vignette illustrations of local scenes or people, this particular plate focuses solely on cartography and features an ornate floral and scrollwork border typical of the period. The coastlines and interior features are finely engraved with great precision, reflecting the style and craftsmanship for which Tallis maps are known. The map retains its original centerfold as issued. Condition is generally good, with some minor toning, small edge wear, and faint creases in the margins. There is no major staining, and the hand coloring remains clear and well-preserved. This map is a valuable example of 19th-century British cartography, appealing to collectors of Asian history, antique maps, and decorative engravings. It offers insight into how China and its surrounding territories were viewed and represented in Europe during a time of growing imperial interest and global exploration. Here are a few tips for framing this 1851 Tallis map of China: - Use acid-free, archival-quality mat board and backing to protect the paper from aging and discoloration over time - A light cream or soft white mat will complement the aged paper and let the hand coloring stand out - Consider float mounting if you want to show the decorative border and plate mark in full, including the original fold line - Choose a classic wood frame in black, walnut, or gold-leaf finish for a traditional Victorian-era look - Use UV-protective glass or acrylic to shield the map from fading due to light exposure - Ensure the map is not in direct sunlight or humid environments to preserve its condition over the long term If the map is slightly wrinkled or has minor edge wear, professional conservation mounting can help flatten and stabilize it without damaging the original paper. Keywords: Tallis map 1851, China antique map, J. Rapkin, Formosa, Tibet, Victorian atlas, steel engraving, Burmese Empire, illustrated atlas, hand-colored map, London Printing and Publishing Company, Tallis Illustrated Atlas, imperial China, decorative border map, 19th-century cartography
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.23 in (28.5 cm)Width: 14.38 in (36.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1851
  • Condition:
    The map retains its original centerfold as issued. Condition is generally good, with some minor toning, small edge wear, and faint creases in the margins. There is no major staining, and the hand coloring remains clear and well-preserved.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BGSH-0251stDibs: LU3054344557222

More From This Seller

View All
Antique Map of the Chinese Empire by W. G. Blackie, 1859
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'The Chinese Empire'. Original antique map of the Chinese Empire. This map originates from ‘The Imperial Atlas of Modern Geography’. Published by W. G. Blackie, 1859.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of the Chinese Empire and Japan by Lapie, 1842
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Carte de L'Empire Chinois et du Japon'. Map of the Chinese Empire (China) and Japan. This map originates from 'Atlas universel de géographie ancienne et moderne (...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of China, Also Depicting Formosa 'Taiwan' and Part of Korea, c.1840
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'China'. Old map of China, also depicting Formosa (Taiwan) and part of Korea. Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engravers: Anonymous. Condition: ...
Category

Antique 19th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of China by A & C, Black, 1870
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'China'. Original antique map of China. This map originates from ‘Black's General Atlas of The World’. Published by A & C. Black, 1870.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of China by W. G. Blackie, 1859
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'China'. Original antique map of China. This map originates from ‘The Imperial Atlas of Modern Geography’. Published by W. G. Blackie, 1859.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of China, 1874
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'China'. Detailed map of China originates from Blackie's 'The Comprehensive Atlas & Geography of the World'. Artists and Engravers: ...
Category

Antique 19th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of China, 1874
$239 Sale Price
20% Off

You May Also Like

Super Rare Antique French Map of Chine and the Chinese Empire, 1780
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Super Rare Antique French Map of Chine and the Chinese Empire, 1780 Very nice map of Asia. 1780 Made by Bonne. Additional information: Type: Map ...
Category

Antique 18th Century European Maps

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Map of China, Arrowsmith, 1820
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great map of China Drawn under the direction of Arrowsmith Copper-plate engraving Published by Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown, 1820 Unfr...
Category

Antique 1820s English Maps

Materials

Paper

Framed Early 19th Century Drawn and Engraved Map of China
By John Knighton Thomson
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hand drawn and tinted engraved map of China dated 1815 Created for Thomson's New General Atlas Edinburgh Beautifully framed with a linen covered mat.
Category

Antique Early 19th Century European Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique 1803 Italian Map of Asia Including China Indoneseia India
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Antique 1803 Italian Map of Asia Including China Indoneseia India Very nice map of Asia. 1803. Additional information: Type: Map Country of Manufacturing: Europe Period: 19th centu...
Category

Antique 19th Century European Maps

Materials

Paper

Large Original Antique Map of Asia by Sidney Hall, 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great map of Asia Drawn and engraved by Sidney Hall Steel engraving Original colour outline Published by A & C Black. 1847 Unframed Free shipping
Category

Antique 1840s Scottish Maps

Materials

Paper

Large Original Vintage Map of China, circa 1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great map of China. Original color. Good condition. Published by Alexander Gross Unframed.
Category

Vintage 1920s English Edwardian Maps

Materials

Paper