Antique Map of China with Provinces and Treaty Ports – Black’s Atlas, 1884
Description: This finely engraved and hand-colored map of China was published in the New and Revised Edition of Black’s General Atlas of the World, Edinburgh, 1884. It presents a comprehensive political and geographical view of imperial China during the late Qing dynasty, at a time of increasing foreign contact, trade, and geopolitical pressure.
The map covers the whole of China proper, extending westward toward Tibet and Mongolia and eastward to the Yellow Sea and Pacific Ocean. Provincial boundaries are clearly delineated and distinguished by subtle original hand coloring, making the administrative divisions of 19th-century China immediately legible. Major provinces such as Zhili, Shandong, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Guangdong, Fujian, and Yunnan are clearly labeled.
Rivers and natural features are carefully engraved, including the Yangtze (Yang-tse-Kiang), Yellow River (Hoang Ho), Pearl River system, and the rugged mountain chains of western China. Coastal details are particularly well rendered, with ports, islands, and maritime routes clearly marked. Treaty ports and major cities such as Peking (Beijing), Canton (Guangzhou), Shanghai, Nanking (Nanjing), Hankow, and Foochow are prominently shown, reflecting China’s growing integration into global trade networks following the Opium Wars.
This map captures China at a pivotal historical moment, before the fall of the Qing dynasty and the political upheavals of the early 20th century. It is both a valuable historical document and an elegant example of Victorian cartography, combining clarity, scale, and restrained color.
Condition report: Very good condition. Original hand coloring remains clear and balanced. Center fold as issued. Light marginal toning and faint age-related spotting consistent with atlas maps of this period. Plate mark visible. No tears or losses.
Framing tips: This large-format map displays beautifully with a wide archival mat in ivory or light cream to complement the pastel provincial coloring. A dark walnut or black frame enhances contrast and legibility, while a gilt frame adds a refined Victorian character. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the original hand coloring.
Technique: Engraving with original hand coloring Maker: Black’s General Atlas, Edinburgh, 1884
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