1815 Thomson Map of China & Formosa (Taiwan)
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Description: This fascinating hand colored 1814 map by Edinburgh cartographer John Thomson depicts China. Shows the Great Wall of China as the northern boundary. Extends as far west as the Tibetan plateau and as far south as the old Vietnamese/Chinese Kingdom of Tonkin or Tungouin (as labeled). Includes important early shipping routes from India to Beijing and curious notes about the nomadic people to the north of China (the Ortoos and the Eluts of Koko Nor).
Date: 1815
References: None found.
Cartographer: John Thomson was one of the leading masters of the Edinburgh school of cartography which flourished from roughly 1800 to 1830. Thomson & his contemporaries (Pinkerton & Cary) redefined European cartography by abandoning typical 18th century decorative elements such as elaborate title cartouches and fantastic beasts in favor of detail and accuracy. Thomson's principle works include the "Thomson's New General Atlas" published from 1814 to 1827 and his "Atlas of Scotland". The "Atlas of Scotland", a work of groundbreaking detail and dedication would eventually bankrupt the Thomson firm in 1830. Today Thomson maps are becoming increasingly rare as they are highly admired for their monumental size, vivid hand coloration, and superb detail. Click here for a list of rare maps from John Thomson.
Size: Printed area measures 23 x 21 inches (58.42 x 53.34 centimeters)
Condition: Fine or perfect condition. Wide clean margins. Original platemark visible. Blank on verso.
Code: China-t-15 (Necessary for phone inquiries: 646-320-8650)
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