Maps--Shanxi Province

Folio (335 x 215mm.), 32 double-page maps (each measuring 430 x 330mm.), watercolour on Chinese paper, each captioned in Chinese calligraphy in a formal hand, 源源長 [Yuanyuan Chan] in red ink on the reverse, butterfly binding (hudie zhuang), late nineteenth-century floral decorated cloth covers, light dust-staining, some expert repairs

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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 RARE AND IMPORTANT MANUSCRIPT ATLAS OF SHANXI PROVINCE, showing most of the walled towns and military garrisons. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Shanxi merchants controlled many of the overland trade routes to the capital and during the 18th and 19th century Shanxi was the centre of trade and banking. Forty-three of China’s 50 largest banks were based in Shanxi province alone. This atlas provides topographical views of the various administrative areas (county, xian) of the province together with detailed information on towns, villages, and military stations, as well as roads and bridges. As in most Chinese atlases there is no fixed scale, but distances between towns are provided in li (miles). Includes views of the counties of Yanggao, Tianzhen, Datong, Yongning, Hongtong, Datongfu, Pingyao, Xibao, Ninglang, Xinzhou, Jingle, Daizhou, Fengzhen, the Hulu valley, Shanyun, Yonghe, Hejin, Ningwu, Wanquan, Qinshui, Fushan, Yicheng, Zezhou, Huairen, Heshun, Pingyang etc. This atlas was clearly compiled for official (military?) purposes.