China and Japan--Hondius, Jodocus, Sr.

The condition of this item is as described in ithe catalogue description
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A classic depiction of China from the first years of the seventeenth century. This is one of the new maps added to the 1606 edition of Gerard Mercator's Atlas as revised, expanded and published by Hondius, after the purchase of the printing plates from Mercator's heirs in 1604.

The map is largely based on Barbuda's delineation, with similar iconography, for example the land-yacht at the left, but includes a new inset, depicting the method used by the Japanese to crucify those of their populace who had converted to Christianity (see Ortelius lot 49). However, Hondius' version shows considerable improvements over the prototype, inserting Korea, for example, albeit as an island with accompanying note discussing his uncertainty about whether it was an island or a peninsula. The delineation of Japan is also much improved, following the Luis Teixeira model, adopted by Ortelius in 1595.