1737 atlas of China to headline Old World Auctions sale An important atlas of China, executed in Paris in 1737 by a French cartographer, is the anticipated top lot of an online sale planned for September 10-24 by Old World Auctions of Sedona, Arizona.
RARE, IMPORTANT ATLAS OF CHINA WILL HEADLINE
OLD WORLD AUCTIONS ONLINE SALE, SEPT. 10th - 24th
(Sedona, Ariz.) - An important atlas of China with 42 maps, executed in Paris in 1737 by the renowned French cartographer Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d'Anville, is the anticipated top lot of an online auction (#125) planned for September 10-24 by Old World Auctions. The atlas constitutes the first scientific mapping of China, for the Emperor Kang-Shi. It is expected to bring $14,000-$18,000.
The atlas – just one of hundreds of important maps, atlases and other items slated to change hands in the sale – was the principal cartographical authority on China for the rest of the 18th century. It provides the first accurate depiction of the Pacific coastline and features the first map of Korea by a European cartographer. It also has detailed coverage of China and the first serious study of Tibet.
“The weekend before the auction's close, we will be exhibiting and previewing selected lots at the Rocky Mountain Map Fair in Denver,” said Curt Griggs of Old World Auctions. “The event will be September 19-20, at the Denver Public Library. We will have on hand approximately one hundred of the better maps and atlases.” For more details on the map fair, you may log on to www.rmmaps.com.
A Revolutionary War-era plan of Boston, depicting the famous Battle of Bunker Hill (J. Murray, London, 1778), is expected to pique the interest of map enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The plan shows the city of Boston with a key below. It also provides a dramatic depiction of the the iconic 1775 battle, with the American and British forces separated by the now-famous rail fence (est. $600-$750).
An incredible, large-scale chart of the West Indies, spanning from Tampa Bay in the Gulf of Mexico through the Bahamas and Caribbean islands as far south as Antigua (William Heather, London, 1757), will also be sold. The chart is filled with excellent detail, particularly in the Florida Keys and Bahamas. It is printed on three joined sheets, as issued. It is expected to hammer for $5,500-$7,500.
An ambitious atlas of the world, but concentrating mainly on the American continent (Samuel Augustus Mitchell, Philadelphia, 1854), is sure to intrigue atlas collectors. It is an unusually fine copy of a highly sought after atlas, complete with 75 hand-colored maps of the world, North America and other continents, Oceania, the U.S. and its territories, and numerous city plans (est. $6,000-$8,000).
The first separately printed map devoted to the Arctic (Gerard Mercator, Amsterdam, 1628) will also come up for bid. The North Pole is shown according to legend, as a large rock in a giant whirlpool, surrounded by four islands separated by rivers. One of the islands is noted as being inhabited by pygmies. In North America, there is an early reference, by name, to California (est. $2,500-$3,250).
Certain to draw attention because it is so unusual and rare is an early Korean
