17th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Antique map titled 'Partie de Barbarie, ou est le Royaume d'Alger (..)'. Copper-engraved map showing the Algerian coast of North Africa. Published 1683. Artists and Engravers:...

Antique Map of Granada Spain – Hand-Coloured Tassin Engraving 1651 This beautiful hand-coloured engraved map depicts the historic Kingdom of Granada in southern Spain, created by th...

Antique miniature map titled 'Turcicum Imperium'. Rare miniature map of the Turkish Empire. This map originates from 'Tabularum Geographicarum Contractarum Libri septem (..)' by P. B...

Antique map titled 'Lumen Historium per Orientem (..).' Scarce map of the Middle East, surrounded by Latin text. The two insets show Israel and an oval world map. This map (from the last edition of Ortelius Theatri Orbis Terrarum Parergon, 1624) was engraved by Franciscus Hareio. Later, this map was copied by Hornius for his World Atlas (1653). Artists and Engravers: Franciscus Haraeus (Latinised form of Franciscus Verhaer; also known as Frans Verhaer), (Utrecht 1555? - Leuven, 11 January 1631), was a Dutch theologian, historian, and cartographer. He is best known for his history (from a Catholic point of view) of the Dutch Revolt...

Antique map titled 'Sara.' Map of Psara ( Psyra or Ipsera) Island (North East Aegean Islands), Greece. This map originates from 'Nauwkeurige Beschrijving der eilanden in de Archipel ...

The map shows the Duchy of Schleswig, which spans the area between the North Sea coast, Kolding, and Flensburg. The maps were originally published by Johannes Mejer in the regional a...

Bas-relief depicting the "Ascension of Christ" circle of Cesar Bagard (1620-1707) , Baroque, Walnut, Wood, second half 17th century The relief shows a Christ ascending to heaven s...

Antique map titled 'Presqu'Isle de l'Inde deca le Gange (..)'. Old map showing the southern part of India, including the northern part of Sri Lanka. With inset map of Southern India (Malabar). This map covers the subcontinent from the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Cambay to Ceylon. The Mogul Empire can be found in the north. Further south...

Top or top made of pine wood carved in color with a human bust in the center, located by grabbing two scrolls and thus creating an axis of symmetry for the...

Title: Early Woodcut Map of Franconia and Surrounding Regions, 1628 Franconia (Franckenlande) is a region in Germany. Historically, Franconia was a significant part of the Holy Roma...

Cross of caravaca XVII century. Very beautiful cross of caravaca made in bronze. 17th Century. Measurements: 15x6 cm. Good condition.

Antique map titled 'Perse'. Small engraved map of the Persian Empire, decorated with a simple cartouche and armorial shield. This map originates from 'L'Atlas en Abrege, ou Nouvelle ...

Antique map titled 'Contado di Zelanda'. Beautiful map of the Dutch province of Zeeland. With the islands of Walcheren, Schouwen-Duiveland, Noord-Beveland, Zuid-Beveland, Tholen and ...

17th century pair of carved and gilded wooden mensulae with birds.

Title: Rare Hand-Colored Map of Franche-Comté and Burgundy by Frederik De Wit c. 1688 Description: This stunning 17th-century map, titled "Comitatus Burgundiae vulgo La Franche Comt...

The map titled "Ducatus olim Episcopatus Bremensis et ostiorum Albis et Visurgis Fluviorum novissima Descriptio" by Johannes Janssonius provides a rich historical and geographical il...

Canaan comonly called the Holy Land or the Land of Promise, being the Possesion of the Israelites & travelled through by Our Lord & Saviour Iesus Christ and his Apostles. Engraven by Richard Palmer for Richard Blome. 1687 Blome, Richard, 1641-1705. London. 283 x 452 mm. Copperplate. Probably from an English Bible...

Ancient Map of Palestine or the Holy Land by D'Anville (1767) This detailed map, created by the renowned French cartographer Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d'Anville in 1767, depicts the...

Antique map titled 'The Road from Bristol to Weymouth (..)'. Original antique map of the road from Bristol to Weymouth. Plate 60 from Ogilby's 'Britannia', the first road atlas of En...

Blaeu Map of Ottoman Balkans – Walachia Bulgaria Romania, circa 1665 This is an original hand-coloured antique map titled “Walachia, Servia, Bulgaria, Romania,” published by Joan Bl...

Blaeu Map of Walachia, Servia, Bulgaria, Romania, circa 1640 This is an original antique map titled “Walachia, Servia, Bulgaria, Romania,” published by Joan Blaeu in Amsterdam betwe...

This captivating 17th-century map titled "Zeilan ou Ceilon Isle" (Ceylon/Sri Lanka) was engraved by Petrus Kaerius (van den Keere) and published in Mercator's "Atlas Minor," edited b...

1683 Map of Japan Isles by Mallet – Decorative Miniature Map This is an original antique map titled “Isles du Japon,” created by Alain Manesson Mallet and published in Paris in 1683...

large 17th century turned apothecary's ivory mortar and pestle Germany 17th century Cites certificate number IT/CE/2023/MI/01110 18,6 x 7 cm ; pestl...

Antique map titled 'Glocestriae comitatus olim sedes Dobunorum'. Map of Gloucestershire, England. This map originates from Camden?s 'Britannia' ...

Title: Landtcarte Vonn dem Ambte Flensborg, ohne Nordgoeßherde. Anno 1648. Description: This exquisitely detailed and old coloured map of Flensburg was crafted by the noted cartogr...

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 print China titled ‘Nanking'. This plate shows a view on the Chinese city of Nanking with its ramparts. Also depicted are several pagodas and on the foreground there is a pal...

Offered for sale is a rare and finely carved original woodblock printing plate, depicting Saint Sebastian, one of the most enduring and iconic Christian martyr figures. This remarkab...

Antique map titled 'De Land Reyse van Osacca to Iedo. De Water eyse van Nangasacqui tot Osacca.' Two maps on one sheet. The top map shows the Japanese coast from Osaka to Tokyo (Jedo). The lower map shows the strait between mainland Japan and the two large islands...

Circa 1659 Johannes Blaeu Map: Ducatus Silesiae Ligniciensis, Legnica Region This hand-colored map from circa 1659 by Johannes Blaeu, titled "Ducatus Silesiae Ligniciensis," depicts the region centered around Legnica (Lignitz) in southwestern Poland. It extends to include the cities of Lublin, Jawor, and Lwówek Śląski. The map features decorative elements such as a title cartouche adorned with a putto, garlands of fruit, and birds, and a distance scale cartouche that includes a hunter with his dogs. This map is dedicated to Georgius Rodulfus, the Duke of Silesia, by Ionas Scultetus, reflecting the map's historical context and noble patronage. It includes Spanish text on the verso, indicating publication between 1659 and 1672. Measuring 20.9 inches wide by 16.3 inches high, the map is in excellent condition with a sharp impression, full contemporary color, and a large watermark of the god Atlas. Minor details include a bit of printer's ink residue at the right and slight marginal soiling. Keywords: - Johannes Blaeu map - Silesia historical map - Legnica (Lignitz) map - 17th-century Poland map...

Title: Early Woodcut Map of Swabia and Bavaria, 16th Century This early woodcut map titled "Schwaben und Bayernlande / Darbey auch begreiffen der Oenwaldt / Nordgaw / etc." provides...

Antique map titled 'Utriusque Burgundiae tum Ducatus tum Comitatus descriptio'. Old map of the Burgundy region of France. This map originates from 'Neuwe Archontologia cosmica'. Arti...

Antique map titled 'Comitatus Namurci Tabula in Lucem Edita'. Large map of the Namur region, France. Published by F. de Wit, circa 1680.

Antique map titled 'Tino.' This original antique map shows the island of Tinos, Greece. Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engravers: Made by 'Olfert Dapper' after an a...

Thraciae Veteris Typus – 1618 Ortelius Map of Ancient Thrace with Hand Color This striking early 17th-century map, Thraciae Veteris Typus, was published in 1618 by Abraham Orteliu...

Rare antique Italian edition of HISTORIA DEGL'AVENIMENTI DELL'ARMI IMPERIALI CONTRO A'RIBELLI, ET OTTOMANI published in Venice at 1687. Italy

The backplate is cast and featuring a deer in the center surrounded by open scrollwork. The side panels fitted with two servant lights, fronted by a row of eight oil fonts. Scholars theorize that these Polish Chanukah lamps that bear two servant lights (as opposed to the singular servant light normally found on a Hanukkah Lamp...

Antique map Koblentz titled 'Coblentz'. Rare antique map of the Koblentz region in Germany. On verso, an antique map of the Mont Royal fortress, Germany. Originates from 'Thesaurus Geographicus. A New Body of Geography: or a Compleat Description of the Earth 'by H. Moll. Artists and Engravers: Herman Moll...

Rare antique miniature map titled 'Iava Maior'. This map shows the northern coastline of Java (Indonesia) with numerous place names, but the southern coa...

Antique map titled 'Guineae Nova Descriptio.' This very decorative map shows the West African coast from Senegal (the 'Rio Senega' is the Senegal River) to Cape Lopez on the Gulf...

This engraving of Guangzhou ("Kanton") is from a French edition of Olfert Dapper's work. The French edition titled "Description de l’Empire de la Chine" was published in 1674. It is ...

John Ogilby (British 1600-1676) cosmographer and geographick printer to Charles II. A road map from Britannia, 1675/6. No 5, The road from London to Barwick: London to Stilton In a grey painted and gilded frame. In a remarkable life John Ogilby pursued, several careers, each ending in misfortune, and yet he always emerged undeterred, to carry on. His modern reputation is based on his final career, started in his sixty-sixth year, as a publisher of maps and geographical accounts. Ogilby was born outside Dundee, in 1600, the son of a Scottish gentleman. While he was still a child, the family moved to London. When the elder Ogilby was imprisoned for debt, the young John invested his savings in a lottery, won a minor prize, and settled his father's debts. Unfortunately, not enough money was left to secure John a good apprenticeship; instead, he was apprenticed to a dance master. Ogilby was soon dancing in masques at court but, one day, while executing a particularly ambitious leap, he landed badly. The accident left him with a permanent limp, and ended his dancing career. However, he had come to the attention of Thomas Wentworth, later Earl of Strafford, Charles I's most senior minister. Ever one to exploit his contacts, Ogilby became a dance instructor in Strafford's household. When Strafford was sent to Ireland, Ogilby accompanied him as Deputy-Master of the Kings Revels, and then Master of Revels. In Dublin, he built the New Theatre, in St. Werburgh Street, which prospered at first, but the Irish Rebellion, in 1641, cost Ogilby his fortune, which he estimated at £2,000, and almost his life. After brief service as a soldier, he returned to England, survived shipwreck on the way, and arrived back penniless. On his return, Ogilby turned his attention to the Latin classics, as a translator and publisher. His first faltering attempt, in 1649, was a translation of the works of Virgil, but after his marriage to a wealthy widow the same year, his publishing activities received a considerable boost. One means by which Ogilby financed these volumes was by subscription, securing advance payments from his patrons, in return for including their name and coats-of-arms on the plates of illustrations. Another approach was to secure a patron, preferably in the court circle. Ogilby's first patron was Strafford, who found out too late that all leading ministers are dispensable when Charles I assented to his execution in 1641. As he re-established himself, Ogilby sought a new patron, the King himself. In 1661, Ogilby was approached to write poetry for Charles II's coronation procession; he later published 'The Relation of His Majesties Entertainment Passing Through the City of London', and a much enlarged edition the following year, which included a Fine set of plates depicting the procession. Royal favour was bestowed in 1674 when John Ogilby received the title of 'His Majesty's Cosmographer and Geographick Printer' with a salary of £13.6s.8d per annum. In 1665, Ogilby left London to avoid the Plague then ravaging the capital. The following year, in the Great Fire of London, Ogilby claimed that he lost his entire stock of books valued at some £3,000, as well as his shop and house, leaving him worth just £5. As he sought to restore his fortunes, Ogilby was already looking in new directions. The initial opportunity he seized on was the reconstruction of London's burnt-out centre. He secured appointment as a "sworn viewer", whose duty was to establish the property boundaries as they existed before the Fire. Ogilby was assisted in the project by his step-grandson, William Morgan, and by a number of professional surveyors. The result was an outstanding plan of London, on a scale of 100 feet to an inch, on 20 sheets, although it was not printed until after Ogilby's death. Ogilby then turned his attention to publishing geographical descriptions of the wider-world. In 1667, he issued 'An Embassy from the East India Company of the United Provinces to the Grand Tartar Cham, Emperor of China.' Buoyed by the response to this volume, Ogilby conceived an ambitious project, a multi-volume description of the world. The volumes were joint collaborations, in conjunction with the Dutch publisher Jacob van Meurs. 'Africa', published in 1670, was the least original of the three, both in terms of the text, maps and illustrations. In a similar vein, he issued the 'Atlas Japannensis' (1670), the 'Atlas Chinensis' (1671), and 'Asia' (1673). In 1671, Ogilby published the 'America', translated from Arnold Montanus' Dutch text. The 'America' is certainly the most original, and most important, of Ogilby's various geographical volumes, and its influence and popularity was immediate. With its completion, Ogilby turned to a project nearer his heart, the description of Britain. Ogilby originally intended to devote one volume to Britain, but as the project evolved, he became more ambitious, as revealed in a prospectus issued in about 1672: "This having oblig'd our Author to take new Measures ... to compleat within the space of two Years a Work ... considering the Actual survey of the Kingdom, the Delineation and Dimensuration of the Roads, the Prospects and Ground plots of Cities, with other Ornamentals ... into six fair volumes. The Four first comprehending the historical and geographical description of England, with the County-Maps truly and actually survey'd. ... The fifth containing an Ichnographical and Historical Description of all the Principal Road-ways in England and Wales, in two hundred copper sculptures, after a new and exquisite method. The sixth containing a New and Accurate Description of the famous City of London, with the perfect Ichnography thereof ..." In the proposals, Ogilby emphasised the scale of the undertaking; no-one before him had attempted such a vast project. He estimated the total costs would be £20,000, a staggering amount. The cost of the complete set of six volumes was to be £34. At that time, Wenceslas Hollar...

1634 Mercator/Jansson Map: Eastern Austria with Vienna, Hand-Colored This hand-colored map from 1634, titled "Austria Archiducatus," by Mercator and Jansson, depicts the eastern reg...

We are delighted to offer for sale this Jan Jansson Date: 1660 (published) Amsterdam map of Greece. This is an authentic antique map of Peloponnese or...

"South German “man Of Sorrows” – Carved Pinewood Devotional Figure (17th Century)" Region: South Germany (likely Bavaria or Swabia) Date: Mid to late 17th century (circa 1650–1700) M...

Antique map titled 'Circuli Saxoniae Superior Pars Meridionalis in qua sunt Ducatus Saxoniae, Comitatus Mansfeldiae, et Voitlandiae, Landgraviat Thuringiae, Marchionatus Misniae Prin...

Antique map titled 'Sclavonia, Croatia, Bosnia cum Dalmatiae Parte'. Old map of the Eastern Balkans with the geographical & political divisions of Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Bosnia, Serbia, etc. The map details the course of the Danube, Sauus, and Drauus Rivers. Originates from the 1633 German edition of the Mercator-Hondius Atlas Major, published by Henricus Hondius and Jan Jansson under the title: 'Atlas: das ist Abbildung der gantzen Welt, mit allen darin begriffenen Laendern und Provintzen: sonderlich von Teutschland, Franckreich, Niderland, Ost und West Indien: mit Beschreibung der selben.' Artists and Engravers: Gerard Mercator (1512 - 1594) originally a student of philosophy was one of the most renowned cosmographers and geographers of the 16th century, as well as an accomplished scientific instrument maker. He is most famous for introducing Mercators Projection, a system which allowed navigators to plot the same constant compass bearing on a flat map...

Antique map titled 'Magni Mogolis Imperium'. This map depicts the Empire of the Great Mogul in northern India including the region from Iran to Burma. The Indus and Ganges Rivers are...

Historical Map of the Margraviate of Brandenburg by Giacomo Cantelli da Vignola - 1687 This magnificent map, titled Marchesato, et Elettorato di Brandeburgo con una gran Porzione ...

Description: Untitled print of one of the islands of Greece, most likely Gavdopoula (located south of Crete). Gavdopoula is an islet located north-west of its larger neighbour, G...

Antique map titled 'Indiae Orientalis, nec non Insularum Adiacentium Nova Descriptio.' Map of Southeast Asia. The map centers on the Strait of Malacca and Malay Peninsula. It ext...

Antique map titled 'Pascaarte vande Noorderzee Custen van America (..)'. Sea chart of Hudson Bay and Arctic Canada. Compass roses, loxodromic lines, and ships decorate the oceans and...

Antique map titled 'Prussia'. Original antique map of Prussia, a historically prominent German state that originated in 1525 with a duchy centered on th...

Circa 1659 Blaeu Family Map: Glogau and the Odra River Valley, Silesia This hand-colored map from circa 1659 by the Blaeu Family, titled "Ducatus Silesiae Glogani Vera Delineatio," provides a detailed view of the Odra River valley in western Poland, centered around the city of Glogau. The map, based on the work of Silesian cartographer Jonas Scultetus, is oriented with north to the left. It intricately details forests, rivers, lakes, and numerous small villages. A large decorative title cartouche features an ornate coat of arms and a key to the map's symbols. The bottom right includes a finely crafted scale of miles cartouche, adorned with calipers and a pair of falcons. Published between 1659 and 1672, the map has Spanish text on the verso. Measuring 19.9 inches wide by 16.4 inches high, it is in good condition with full contemporary color on a bright sheet, a watermark of the god Atlas, some marginal soiling, and a few short tears along the edges. Keywords: - Blaeu Family map - Silesia historical map - Glogau map - Odra River valley - 17th-century Poland map - Jonas Scultetus - Decorative cartouches - Historical cartography - Antique maps of Poland...

Antique map titled 'Geographiae Sacrae ex Veteri et Novo Testamento Desumptae Tabula Prima quae Totius Orbis Partes Continet.' Map of the lands described in the Old and New Testame...

Wonderful 17th century French Baroque cast iron figure of the Virgin praying. Likely originally part of an outdoor shrine as it has been exposed to the ...

1692 Map of the Mogul Empire by Jacques Peeters This finely engraved map, published in 1692 by Jacques Peeters, showcases the Mogul Empire region, covering areas from northern India...

This is an attractive historical map of Europe created by Frederick de Wit, published around 1690. Here's a detailed description of the map and additional context about its creation:...

Antique map titled 'Moluccae Insulae Celeberrimae'. Decorative map of the Maluku Islands, also known as the Moluccas or the Spice Islands. Inset of the island of Bachian (Batjan) in ...