Korean Atlas

Small folio (295 x 175mm.), 12  double-page manuscript maps in contemporary black ink and colour on thin paper, laid down on thicker paper, limp calf, traces of lettering Yojido (atlas) on covers, housed in decorated cloth box, minor marginal worming, a few maps split at fold, overall browning and soiling, covers worn



Decorative Korean manuscript atlas following the usual tradition of such atlases: the World, China, Ryukyu islands, and the 8 provinces of Korea, each map showing rivers, mountain ranges, towns and administrative centres, each map numbered in upper margin.



The world map, the Chonhado (all under heaven), follows a pattern set before 1400 in either China or Korea. Most of the 143 names that appear on this world map come from one of the oldest Chinese source-books on geography, the so-called Shanhai-jing (c.200 BC), so the original is probably Chinese. The Chonhado in fact reflects the text of the Shanhai-jing, just as the Renaissance Ptolemaic maps reflect Ptolomaeus' text, and actually is the only remaining reflection of these books. The Chonhado shows China in the middle, surrounded by ocean; the other countries are in a second circle and again, another ocean surrounds them.



The other maps of China, Japan and Korea also have their origin in 1471 or before. The China map illustrates the Ming division of provinces (13) and capitals (2) and, indicated with the small white circles, the nine islands, marked by Yu as he drained China after the floods.

the condition of this lot is as described in the 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."

Decorative Korean manuscript atlas following the usual tradition of such atlases: the World, China, Ryukyu islands, and the 8 provinces of Korea, each map showing rivers, mountain ranges, towns and administrative centres, each map numbered in upper margin.

The world map, the Chonhado (all under heaven), follows a pattern set before 1400 in either China or Korea. Most of the 143 names that appear on this world map come from one of the oldest Chinese source-books on geography, the so-called Shanhai-jing (c.200 BC), so the original is probably Chinese. The Chonhado in fact reflects the text of the Shanhai-jing, just as the Renaissance Ptolemaic maps reflect Ptolomaeus' text, and actually is the only remaining reflection of these books. The Chonhado shows China in the middle, surrounded by ocean; the other countries are in a second circle and again, another ocean surrounds them.

The other maps of China, Japan and Korea also have their origin in 1471 or before. The China map illustrates the Ming division of provinces (13) and capitals (2) and, indicated with the small white circles, the nine islands, marked by Yu as he drained China after the floods.