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Auction: 15040 - Antique Maps sale during the International Exhibition
Lot: 72

Maps
China
Hanchow
1638 engraved plan of "Xuntien alias Quinzay" by Matthaus Merian, Frankfurt; 10 x 7 inch on laid paper with three inch border, uncoloured.

Scarce early and unusual plan based upon the magnificent account given by Marco Polo in the late 12th Century of the great city of Quinzay. The name is derived from the Chinese King-sze meaning "Capital" or great city. The actual name for Quinzay in this period was Lin-ngan, now Hangchow on China's East coast which was in the 12th Century the capital of the ruling Sung Dynasty. Marco Polo recounted perhaps with his typical tendency for over-exaggeration its 12,000 bridges, its massive network of canals, its paved roads and its large Lake (Si-hu or Western Lake) some 30 miles in diameter with island pavilions and palaces upon it. Jansson reproduces this information with fanciful embellishment.

With central reinforcement along fold line. Fine. Photo

Estimate
SG$200 to SG$250