Antique Map of Henan by Blaeu, 1655

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17th-Century Antique Map of Henan Province, China – "Honan" by Blaeu, with Detailed Cartography and Artistic Cartouches : This exceptional … Read more 17th-Century Antique Map of Henan Province, China – "Honan" by Blaeu, with Detailed Cartography and Artistic Cartouches : This exceptional 17th-century map of Henan Province, historically referred to as "Honan," was created by Johannes Blaeu and published in 1655 as part of the *Novus Atlas Sinensis*. Henan, located in central China, is known as the cradle of Chinese civilization and holds deep historical and cultural significance. The map offers a detailed representation of Henan’s geography, including its towns, rivers, and mountainous terrain, all meticulously engraved and labeled in Latin. The province is renowned for its role in Chinese history, being home to ancient capitals such as Luoyang and Kaifeng. These cities played central roles during various dynasties, including the Tang and Song. The Yellow River, prominently depicted on the map, has shaped the region’s history and development as one of the most important rivers in Chinese civilization. The decorative cartouche in the upper-left corner features two figures in traditional Chinese attire, adding a cultural element to the map. The precision of the copperplate engraving, combined with vibrant hand-coloring, highlights the province’s borders, key cities, and natural features, making the map both an artistic and historical masterpiece. See less