Rare Old Map of the Chinese Empire by Visscher, 1690: Eastern China, Southern China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history with the 'Imperii Sinarum Nova Descriptio Auctore Joh van Loon', a remarkable cartographic masterpiece from the late 17th century. Translated into English, the title of this map is 'New Description of the Chinese Empire by Joh van Loon'. Crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690, this map is a testament to the Dutch Golden Age of cartography, a period known for its precise and aesthetically pleasing maps. Visscher II, grandson of the renowned mapmaker Claes Janszoon Visscher, carries on the family tradition of creating intricate and detailed maps.

The map primarily focuses on the Chinese Empire, encompassing regions that today make up Eastern and Southern China. This includes significant cities like Hong Kong and Macao, as well as the island of Taiwan. The map's meticulous detailing allows for a comprehensive understanding of the political and administrative divisions of the era, painting a vivid picture of the historical landscape.

This map is not just a geographical guide, but a piece of art in its own right. It is hand-colored in outline and features an engraved map that shows cities, towns, waterways, canals, and landmarks. The mountains are represented pictorially, adding a touch of realism to the overall presentation. The decorative cartouche and compass rose are additional features that add to the map's aesthetic appeal, making it a truly unique piece.

The 'Imperii Sinarum Nova Descriptio Auctore Joh van Loon' offers more than just a glimpse into the past. It is a journey through time, a chance to explore the Chinese Empire as it was in the 17th century. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of maps, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of old-world charm, this map is a treasure trove of historical and geographical insights. It's more than just a map - it's a window into a bygone era, a piece of history that you can own.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Eastern China:

1. Beijing - Known as Peking in 1690, it was the capital of the Qing dynasty.
2. Shanghai - An important port city on the Yangtze River delta.
3. Hangzhou - Known for its West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
4. Nanjing - Was the capital of several Chinese dynasties and kingdoms.
5. Suzhou - Known for its canals, bridges, and classical gardens.
6. Wuxi - A historic center of silk production.
7. Hefei - An old trading center and historic site.
8. Ningbo - An important port city in Zhejiang province.
9. Qingdao - Known for its German colonial heritage.
10. Dalian - A major seaport in Liaoning Province.

Southern China:

1. Guangzhou - Known as Canton, a key maritime Silk Road hub.
2. Shenzhen - A market town of the Pearl River Delta.
3. Fuzhou - An old port city known for its historic architecture.
4. Xiamen - Known as Amoy, a treaty port since 1842.
5. Nanning - Known for its diverse ethnic culture.
6. Haikou - The capital city of Hainan province.
7. Changsha - Known for its historical relics like Mawangdui.
8. Wuhan - A commercial center on the Yangtze River.
9. Guiyang - Known for its ethnic diversity and natural beauty.
10. Zhuhai - A coastal city known for its islands and beaches.

Taiwan:

1. Taipei - Known as Tayouan, a Dutch colony in the 17th century.
2. Kaohsiung - An important seaport during the Ming dynasty.
3. Taichung - Known for its vibrant culture and history.
4. Tainan - The oldest city in Taiwan.
5. Hsinchu - Known for its historic cityscape and industries.

Hong Kong:

1. Victoria City - The de facto capital of Hong Kong during British rule.

Macao:

1. Macao City - Known for its blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures.

Notable natural phenomena and boundaries:

1. Yangtze River - The longest river in Asia.
2. Yellow River - The second longest river in China, often referred to as the "cradle of Chinese civilization".
3. Great Wall of China - A series of fortifications built across the historical northern borders of China.
4. Mount Tai - One of the "Five Great Mountains" of China, a place of worship for thousands of years.
5. Poyang Lake - The largest freshwater lake in China.

Historical events between 1600 and 1690:

1. Fall of the Ming Dynasty - In 1644, the Ming Dynasty was overthrown and replaced by the Qing Dynasty.
2. Qing conquest of Taiwan - In 1683, the Qing Dynasty annexed Taiwan, ending the rule of the Kingdom of Tungning.
3. Revolt of the Three Feudatories - A rebellion against the Qing Dynasty from 1673 to 1681.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps of Europe and European cities to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.