ORNAMENTUM Maps

A rare and important 17th Century Italian Engraving of Willem Blaeu's Great Wall Map of America, "America quarta pars orbis quam plerunq, nuvum orbem apellitant primo detecta est ann...

A fascinating and richly detailed antique map of Cumberland County in northwest England, drawn and published by the celebrated English cartographer John Spe...

Antique map titled 'Moluccae Insulae Celeberrimae'. Highly decorative antique map of the Spice Islands (Moluccas) published by W. Blaeu (circa 1640). This map features a large inset ...

Very decorative antique map of Chili published by W. Blaeu, 1658. This map depicts Chile from Copiapo southward to the island of Chiloé with ships and sea monsters adorning the sea. ...

Decorate an office or a library with this elegant historic map. Crafted in the Netherlands circa 1630, this beautifully framed antique map with pr...

This is an antique map of Styria (referred to as “Stiria” or “Steyrmarck”), published by the renowned Dutch cartographer Willem Janszoon Blaeu (often simply “Blaeu”). The first editi...

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...

Title: 17th-Century Antique Map of Nanjing Province, China – "Nanking sive Kiangnan" by Blaeu, with Decorative Details Description: This captivating 17th-century map of Nanjing Pr...

Antique map titled 'Novus Brasiliae Typus'. Fine old color example of Blaeu's first map of Brazil, with north oriented to the right. Includes inset map of Baya de todos Santos, elaborate cartouche, 2 compass roses and richly embellished vignettes of native Brazilian life and animals. The interior of the map includes vignettes of indigenous animals and native scenes, including cannibalism. Inset within a decorative border is a small map of "Baya de todos Sanctos". In the sea are monsters, a galleon and two compass roses. The large title cartouche features a male and female Brazilian, both of whom are shown naked. Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638) was a prominent Dutch geographer and publisher. Born the son of a herring merchant, Blaeu chose not fish but mathematics and astronomy for his focus. He studied with the famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe...

17th-Century Antique Map of Fujian Province, China – "Fokien" by Blaeu, with Decorative Cartouches Description: This stunning 17th-century map of Fujian Province, historically ref...

Title: Antique 17th-Century Map of Guizhou Province, China – "Qveichev" by Blaeu, Richly Illustrated and Colored Description: This remarkable map of Guizhou Province, historically known as "Qveichev," was created by Johannes Blaeu and published in 1655 as part of his *Novus Atlas Sinensis*. This atlas, developed in collaboration with Jesuit missionary Martino Martini, marked the first Western attempt at a comprehensive geographic representation of China. Blaeu’s map offers a detailed depiction of the mountainous terrain, rivers, and towns of Guizhou, a province known for its rugged beauty and cultural diversity. The map is adorned with two decorative cartouches, each reflecting the artistic and cultural influences of the time. The title cartouche in the lower-right corner features two figures in traditional Chinese attire, symbolizing the blend of European cartographic mastery and Chinese heritage. The upper-left corner includes a secondary cartouche with an explanatory key, adding a touch of elegance to the map’s functionality. Towns, mountains, and rivers are meticulously labeled in Latin, showcasing Blaeu’s dedication to detail and accuracy. Crafted using the copperplate engraving technique, this map demonstrates exceptional precision. The hand-coloring enhances its visual appeal, highlighting borders and geographic features with vibrant tones. Blaeu’s work is not only a tool for geographic understanding but also a piece of art that embodies the spirit of exploration during the Dutch Golden Age. Guizhou Province, historically known as "Qveichev," is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich ethnic diversity, and historical significance. As one of China's most mountainous regions, Guizhou is characterized by dramatic karst formations, lush green hills, and cascading waterfalls. The province is also home to a variety of ethnic minority groups, including the Miao, Dong, and Bouyei, whose traditions, colorful costumes, and vibrant festivals make the region culturally significant. Famous features and important places include Huangguoshu Waterfall, one of Asia's largest and most iconic waterfalls, located near the city of Anshun. Zhijin Cave, a vast karst cave system, is celebrated for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Kaili is known as the cultural center of Miao traditions, with picturesque villages and celebrated festivals. Zunyi holds historical importance for the Zunyi Conference, a pivotal event in the Chinese Communist Party's history. Fanjing Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands out for its unique biodiversity and sacred Buddhist sites. Keywords: antique map of China, Guizhou map, Qveichev, 17th-century China map...

1640 Willem Blaeu map entitled "Contado di molise et principato vltra," Colored Ric. a003 Measures: 38 x 49.6 cm and wide margins DBLAEU. Cou...