Antique Map of Three Cities of China's Hubei and Hunan Provinces by Bellin

Antique map China titled ‘Villes de la Province de Chensi’. Interesting set of two local town plans of "Si-Ngan-Fu: Capitale, Hoofdstad." and "Tchang...

Title: 17th-Century Antique Map of Hunan and Hubei Provinces, China – "Hvqvang" by Blaeu, Richly Detailed and Illustrated Description: This beautiful 17th-century map of the regions that now comprise Hunan and Hubei Provinces, historically referred to as "Hvqvang," was created by Johannes Blaeu and published in 1655 as part of the *Novus Atlas Sinensis*. This map, drawn with input from Jesuit missionary Martino Martini, provides a meticulous representation of central China’s geography, capturing its rivers, towns, and mountainous terrain. The Yangtze River (Changjiang) is prominently featured, emphasizing the region’s importance as a vital waterway for trade and transportation. Wuhan, now a modern metropolis, and Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, were historically significant cities that appear on the map. The area is also notable for its fertile lands and contributions to China’s agricultural prosperity, particularly in rice and tea production. The decorative cartouche in the lower-right corner features two figures in traditional Chinese attire standing amid bamboo, symbolizing the cultural and natural richness of the region. Blaeu’s map combines precision and artistry, with vibrant hand-coloring distinguishing boundaries and geographical features. The copperplate engraving ensures fine detail, making this map a remarkable historical artifact. Condition: Near excellent. Clean impression with vivid hand-coloring. Wide margins with minor age-toning appropriate for its age. Framing Tips: Use a neutral double mat and a gilt or dark wood frame to enhance the presentation. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the vivid hand-coloring and intricate engraving details. Hunan and Hubei, historically referred to as "Hvqvang," are known for their strategic location along the Yangtze River and their cultural and economic significance in Chinese history. The region’s fertile lands have supported extensive rice cultivation, earning it the title of one of China’s "breadbaskets." Hubei, with Wuhan at its center, has long been a hub of transportation and trade, owing to the convergence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers. Hunan, with Changsha as its capital, is known for its rich cultural heritage and contributions to Chinese literature and art. Important places in the region include Wuhan, an ancient trade center, and Changsha, known for its historical sites and cultural prominence. The Yangtze River, a key feature on the map, highlights the region’s historical importance as a major waterway for commerce and agriculture. Other notable features include Dongting Lake, a vital ecological and cultural landmark, and the surrounding mountainous areas that have shaped the region’s history and development. Keywords: antique map of Hunan, Hubei map, Hvqvang map, Yangtze River map, 17th-century Chinese map...

Antique map titled 'Plan de la ville de Hang-Tcheou-Fou ou Hang-Chew-Fu Capitale de la Province de Che-Kiang’. This original print shows a map of the city of Hangzhou, capital of the...

Antique map titled 'Carte des Costes de Cochinchine, Tunquin et Partie de celles de Chine'. Detailed map of the region from the Cambodia River to Macao, along the coast of China. ...

This beautiful 18th century hand-colored copper plate engraved map is entitled "Carte de l'Isle de Taiti, par le Lieutenant J. Cook" was created by Jacques Nicolas Bellin and publish...

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Fabulous map of Hawaii. With a vignette of Honolulu Original color. Engraved and printed by the George F. Cram Company, Indianapolis. Published, C.1900. Unframed. Free shipping.

Great map of China. Original color. Good condition. Published by Alexander Gross Unframed.