Map of Asia by Rigobert Bonne, 1787

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Elegant 18th Century Map of Asia by Rigobert Bonne Showing Siberia and China : This elegant late eighteenth-century map titled … Read more Elegant 18th Century Map of Asia by Rigobert Bonne Showing Siberia and China : This elegant late eighteenth-century map titled Asie was engraved by the celebrated French royal cartographer Rigobert Bonne around 1787–1788. The map presents a sweeping geographical view of the Asian continent, stretching from the eastern frontiers of Europe across Siberia and Central Asia to China, Southeast Asia, and the islands of the Indonesian archipelago. It also includes the northern Pacific region with parts of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, reflecting the expanding European knowledge of the Pacific world during the late Enlightenment. Rigobert Bonne (1727–1794) served as Ingénieur-Hydrographe de la Marine and succeeded Jacques-Nicolas Bellin as Hydrographer to the King of France. He was among the most influential cartographers of the eighteenth century, producing maps admired for their clarity, balanced design, and scientific precision. Bonne collaborated closely with the geographer Nicolas Desmarest, and many of his maps appeared in the monumental Atlas Encyclopédique, an ambitious Enlightenment project intended to summarize the world’s geographical knowledge. The map displays Asia with remarkable detail for its time. Vast Siberian territories are labeled across northern Asia, while the political regions of Tartary, China, and the kingdoms of Southeast Asia are carefully delineated with subtle original hand coloring. Important regions such as Persia, India, and the lands surrounding the Caspian Sea appear in the western portion of the map, connecting Asia with Europe’s eastern borders. Southeast Asia is shown with notable clarity, including the kingdoms of Siam, Pegu, and Cochinchina, as well as the Malay Peninsula and the island groups of the East Indies. The islands of Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and the Philippines are depicted along with the maritime routes that connected these territories to the global trade networks of the eighteenth century. The Strait of Malacca, one of the most important trading corridors of the era, appears prominently between Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. The map employs pictorial topography, with mountain ranges illustrated through delicate engraved symbols rather than modern contour lines. Regional boundaries are highlighted in soft hand-applied colors—greens, yellows, and pinks—typical of late eighteenth-century French cartographic style. The grid and surrounding border include longitude references based on both the Paris Meridian and the Ferro Meridian, reflecting the standards used in French cartography prior to the international adoption of the Greenwich meridian. Beyond its geographic content, the map represents a fascinating snapshot of European knowledge and political understanding of Asia during the late Enlightenment, when scientific exploration, global trade, and colonial expansion were reshaping the world map. Today, maps by Rigobert Bonne are highly regarded for their clarity, decorative appeal, and historical importance. This example is both an engaging historical document and an elegant decorative map suitable for collectors of Asian cartography or eighteenth-century Enlightenment-era atlases. Condition: Good condition for an eighteenth-century engraving. The sheet shows light age toning and minor irregularities to the margins typical of the period. The engraving remains crisp and the original hand coloring is well preserved. Framing tips: This map displays beautifully in a dark walnut or black frame with a generous ivory or cream mat. Such framing enhances the subtle hand coloring and the refined engraved detail while giving the piece a classic museum-quality presentation. Technique: Copperplate engraving with original hand coloring Maker: Rigobert Bonne, Paris, circa 1787–1788 See less