Title: 1851 Tallis Map of China with Tibet, Formosa, and Burma – Engraved by J. Rapkin
Description: This is a finely engraved and delicately hand-colored map of China, published around 1851 by The London Printing and Publishing Company. It was drawn and engraved by J. Rapkin, with illustrations by A.H. Wray, and issued as part of John Tallis’s Illustrated Atlas, one of the last great decorative atlases of the 19th century.
The map shows the territories of imperial China during the mid-19th century, including the provinces of Yunnan, Canton, Szechwan, and Shantung, as well as Tibet, Bhutan, parts of Burma, and the island of Formosa (modern-day Taiwan). The geography is detailed, with rivers, mountain ranges, major towns, and cities clearly labeled. The borders of regions are highlighted with original hand coloring.
While many maps from Tallis’s series include vignette illustrations of local scenes or people, this particular plate focuses solely on cartography and features an ornate floral and scrollwork border typical of the period. The coastlines and interior features are finely engraved with great precision, reflecting the style and craftsmanship for which Tallis maps are known.
The map retains its original centerfold as issued. Condition is generally good, with some minor toning, small edge wear, and faint creases in the margins. There is no major staining, and the hand coloring remains clear and well-preserved.
This map is a valuable example of 19th-century British cartography, appealing to collectors of Asian history, antique maps, and decorative engravings. It offers insight into how China and its surrounding territories were viewed and represented in Europe during a time of growing imperial interest and global exploration.
Here are a few tips for framing this 1851 Tallis map of China:
- Use acid-free, archival-quality mat board and backing to protect the paper from aging and discoloration over time - A light cream or soft white mat will complement the aged paper and let the hand coloring stand out - Consider float mounting if you want to show the decorative border and plate mark in full, including the original fold line - Choose a classic wood frame in black, walnut, or gold-leaf finish for a traditional Victorian-era look - Use UV-protective glass or acrylic to shield the map from fading due to light exposure - Ensure the map is not in direct sunlight or humid environments to preserve its condition over the long term
If the map is slightly wrinkled or has minor edge wear, professional conservation mounting can help flatten and stabilize it without damaging the original paper.
Keywords: Tallis map 1851, China antique map, J. Rapkin, Formosa, Tibet, Victorian atlas, steel engraving, Burmese Empire, illustrated atlas, hand-colored map, London Printing and Publishing Company, Tallis Illustrated Atlas, imperial China, decorative border map, 19th-century cartography
Bartele Gallery. Original antique maps, sea charts, engravings and works on paper. This is a plain text rendering of a page that is otherwise built in the browser. The catalogue index is at https://www.bartele.net/catalogue and machine readable notes are at https://www.bartele.net/llms.txt.