Rare Old Map of the Chinese Empire by Visscher, 1690: Eastern China, Southern China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao
The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.
Restored in London • Made in the USA
Restored from the original 1690 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Read the story behind this map
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Gift message & custom finish
If you want to add a gift message, or a finish (jigsaw, aluminium board, etc.) that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
Every order is custom made, so if you need the size adjusted slightly, or printed on an unusual material, just let us know. We've done thousands of custom orders over the years, so there's (almost) nothing we can't manage.
You can also contact us before you order, if you prefer!
Own a piece of history
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Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history with the 'Imperii Sinarum Nova Descriptio Auctore Joh van Loon', a remarkable cartographic masterpiece...
Continue readingImmerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history with the 'Imperii Sinarum Nova Descriptio Auctore Joh van Loon', a remarkable cartographic masterpiece from the late 17th century. Translated into English, the title of this map is 'New Description of the Chinese Empire by Joh van Loon'. Crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690, this map is a testament to the Dutch Golden Age of cartography, a period known for its precise and aesthetically pleasing maps. Visscher II, grandson of the renowned mapmaker Claes Janszoon Visscher, carries on the family tradition of creating intricate and detailed maps.
The map primarily focuses on the Chinese Empire, encompassing regions that today make up Eastern and Southern China. This includes significant cities like Hong Kong and Macao, as well as the island of Taiwan. The map's meticulous detailing allows for a comprehensive understanding of the political and administrative divisions of the era, painting a vivid picture of the historical landscape.
This map is not just a geographical guide, but a piece of art in its own right. It is hand-colored in outline and features an engraved map that shows cities, towns, waterways, canals, and landmarks. The mountains are represented pictorially, adding a touch of realism to the overall presentation. The decorative cartouche and compass rose are additional features that add to the map's aesthetic appeal, making it a truly unique piece.
The 'Imperii Sinarum Nova Descriptio Auctore Joh van Loon' offers more than just a glimpse into the past. It is a journey through time, a chance to explore the Chinese Empire as it was in the 17th century. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of maps, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of old-world charm, this map is a treasure trove of historical and geographical insights. It's more than just a map - it's a window into a bygone era, a piece of history that you can own.
Some of the significant locations shown on this map:
Eastern China:
- Beijing - Known as Peking in 1690, it was the capital of the Qing dynasty.
- Shanghai - An important port city on the Yangtze River delta.
- Hangzhou - Known for its West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Nanjing - Was the capital of several Chinese dynasties and kingdoms.
- Suzhou - Known for its canals, bridges, and classical gardens.
- Wuxi - A historic center of silk production.
- Hefei - An old trading center and historic site.
- Ningbo - An important port city in Zhejiang province.
- Qingdao - Known for its German colonial heritage.
- Dalian - A major seaport in Liaoning Province.
Southern China:
- Guangzhou - Known as Canton, a key maritime Silk Road hub.
- Shenzhen - A market town of the Pearl River Delta.
- Fuzhou - An old port city known for its historic architecture.
- Xiamen - Known as Amoy, a treaty port since 1842.
- Nanning - Known for its diverse ethnic culture.
- Haikou - The capital city of Hainan province.
- Changsha - Known for its historical relics like Mawangdui.
- Wuhan - A commercial center on the Yangtze River.
- Guiyang - Known for its ethnic diversity and natural beauty.
- Zhuhai - A coastal city known for its islands and beaches.
Taiwan:
- Taipei - Known as Tayouan, a Dutch colony in the 17th century.
- Kaohsiung - An important seaport during the Ming dynasty.
- Taichung - Known for its vibrant culture and history.
- Tainan - The oldest city in Taiwan.
- Hsinchu - Known for its historic cityscape and industries.
Hong Kong:
- Victoria City - The de facto capital of Hong Kong during British rule.
Macao:
- Macao City - Known for its blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures.
Notable natural phenomena and boundaries:
- Yangtze River - The longest river in Asia.
- Yellow River - The second longest river in China, often referred to as the "cradle of Chinese civilization".
- Great Wall of China - A series of fortifications built across the historical northern borders of China.
- Mount Tai - One of the "Five Great Mountains" of China, a place of worship for thousands of years.
- Poyang Lake - The largest freshwater lake in China.
Historical events between 1600 and 1690:
- Fall of the Ming Dynasty - In 1644, the Ming Dynasty was overthrown and replaced by the Qing Dynasty.
- Qing conquest of Taiwan - In 1683, the Qing Dynasty annexed Taiwan, ending the rule of the Kingdom of Tungning.
- Revolt of the Three Feudatories - A rebellion against the Qing Dynasty from 1673 to 1681.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.
I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps of Europe and European cities to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history with the 'Imperii Sinarum Nova Descriptio Auctore Joh van Loon', a remarkable cartographic masterpiece from the late 17th century. Translated into English, the title of this map is 'New Description of the Chinese Empire by Joh van Loon'. Crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690, this map is a testament to the Dutch Golden Age of cartography, a period known for its precise and aesthetically pleasing maps. Visscher II, grandson of the renowned mapmaker Claes Janszoon Visscher, carries on the family tradition of creating intricate and detailed maps.
The map primarily focuses on the Chinese Empire, encompassing regions that today make up Eastern and Southern China. This includes significant cities like Hong Kong and Macao, as well as the island of Taiwan. The map's meticulous detailing allows for a comprehensive understanding of the political and administrative divisions of the era, painting a vivid picture of the historical landscape.
This map is not just a geographical guide, but a piece of art in its own right. It is hand-colored in outline and features an engraved map that shows cities, towns, waterways, canals, and landmarks. The mountains are represented pictorially, adding a touch of realism to the overall presentation. The decorative cartouche and compass rose are additional features that add to the map's aesthetic appeal, making it a truly unique piece.
The 'Imperii Sinarum Nova Descriptio Auctore Joh van Loon' offers more than just a glimpse into the past. It is a journey through time, a chance to explore the Chinese Empire as it was in the 17th century. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of maps, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of old-world charm, this map is a treasure trove of historical and geographical insights. It's more than just a map - it's a window into a bygone era, a piece of history that you can own.
Some of the significant locations shown on this map:
Eastern China:
- Beijing - Known as Peking in 1690, it was the capital of the Qing dynasty.
- Shanghai - An important port city on the Yangtze River delta.
- Hangzhou - Known for its West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Nanjing - Was the capital of several Chinese dynasties and kingdoms.
- Suzhou - Known for its canals, bridges, and classical gardens.
- Wuxi - A historic center of silk production.
- Hefei - An old trading center and historic site.
- Ningbo - An important port city in Zhejiang province.
- Qingdao - Known for its German colonial heritage.
- Dalian - A major seaport in Liaoning Province.
Southern China:
- Guangzhou - Known as Canton, a key maritime Silk Road hub.
- Shenzhen - A market town of the Pearl River Delta.
- Fuzhou - An old port city known for its historic architecture.
- Xiamen - Known as Amoy, a treaty port since 1842.
- Nanning - Known for its diverse ethnic culture.
- Haikou - The capital city of Hainan province.
- Changsha - Known for its historical relics like Mawangdui.
- Wuhan - A commercial center on the Yangtze River.
- Guiyang - Known for its ethnic diversity and natural beauty.
- Zhuhai - A coastal city known for its islands and beaches.
Taiwan:
- Taipei - Known as Tayouan, a Dutch colony in the 17th century.
- Kaohsiung - An important seaport during the Ming dynasty.
- Taichung - Known for its vibrant culture and history.
- Tainan - The oldest city in Taiwan.
- Hsinchu - Known for its historic cityscape and industries.
Hong Kong:
- Victoria City - The de facto capital of Hong Kong during British rule.
Macao:
- Macao City - Known for its blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures.
Notable natural phenomena and boundaries:
- Yangtze River - The longest river in Asia.
- Yellow River - The second longest river in China, often referred to as the "cradle of Chinese civilization".
- Great Wall of China - A series of fortifications built across the historical northern borders of China.
- Mount Tai - One of the "Five Great Mountains" of China, a place of worship for thousands of years.
- Poyang Lake - The largest freshwater lake in China.
Historical events between 1600 and 1690:
- Fall of the Ming Dynasty - In 1644, the Ming Dynasty was overthrown and replaced by the Qing Dynasty.
- Qing conquest of Taiwan - In 1683, the Qing Dynasty annexed Taiwan, ending the rule of the Kingdom of Tungning.
- Revolt of the Three Feudatories - A rebellion against the Qing Dynasty from 1673 to 1681.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.
I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps of Europe and European cities to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.
Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.
We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.
- We can deliver directly to the recipient
- Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
- Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
- Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
- 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide
If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.
Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.
We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.
Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.
Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.
Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.
If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.
Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.
Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.
Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.
We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.
Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.
Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.
All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.
If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.
Every Unique Maps piece begins with an authentic cartographic source or an original design from our London studio.
For our historic maps, we source rare originals from libraries, archives, auction houses and private collections around the world. We carefully restore each map for print—repairing age-related damage, balancing colour and improving clarity while preserving its original detail, texture and character.
Once restored, the map is prepared for your chosen size and finish. Your piece is then printed and, where selected, framed close to its delivery destination.
Our map prints use acid-free 200gsm archival matte paper and fade-resistant pigment inks, creating a rich, non-glossy finish designed to last. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
Canvas, cotton-rag and other specialist presentations are also available. Learn more about our materials and finishes.
Personalising your map
You can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. For personalised designs, we send a proof before printing and you can request changes before approval.
For more complex bespoke commissions, contact our design team.
Original or Aged
Choose Original for true-to-source colour, or Aged for a warmer, richer antique character created with our specialist ageing process. See examples of our Aged maps.
If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.
I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.
I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.
Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.
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