by Pieter van den Keere, 1598
€525.00
This authentic antique print, measuring 12.5 cm × 8.5 cm , created by Pieter van den Keere as a fine example of work from the 16th Century (1500s).
Published by Barent Langenes, it is preserved in Very Good condition and displays remarkable period craftsmanship.
1 in stock
This vintage China map from 1598 highlights East Asia in great detail. Engraved by Pieter van den Keere and published by Barent Langenes, it measures 8.5 by 12.5 cm.
The map shows China, Korea (named Tauxem from Chinese “Chaoxian” or Korean “Joseon,” first on Plancius’ 1594 map), Southeast Asia, Central Asia, India, and even part of America to the east. The capital appears as Xuntien (Shuntian) and Quinzai, Marco Polo’s great city, later known as Hangzhou. Elements like Seuchin (Zhaoqing) and the first Catholic church, Ecclesia Patrum Societatis (Church of the Jesuit Fathers), come from the Ruggieri map via Plancius 1594.
The Plancius 1592-94 Insulae Moluccae map marks Seuchin as Iesuitarum Ecclesia. The Great Wall stretches too far east, even beyond Korea, linking to Ruggieri through Plancius. A caption praises the Chinese people’s ingenuity in the sea between Asia and America. This rare first-state copperplate from Caert-Thresoor (ref: Van der Krogt 341:13; Map 8 in Regnum Chinae by Marco Coboara) offers a unique 16th-century view. Collectors love its historical details and significance.
Discover this vintage China map 1598 and many more at our store located in the historic heart of Haarlem.
Pieter van den Keere (1571–c.1646) was a Flemish engraver, publisher, and cartographer. He created detailed miniature maps during the Dutch Golden Age. Keere fled Ghent for religious reasons and worked in London and Amsterdam. His famous atlases include county maps of England and Wales, known as “Miniature Speeds.” Collectors value his precise engravings for their historical and artistic importance.
The 16th century saw a strong growth in mapmaking and printmaking. Copperplate engraving revolutionized cartography, helping mapmakers create more detailed and accurate maps. At the same time, exploration, trade, and religious changes increased Europe’s need for reliable maps. Engravers cut designs into copper plates, inked them, and pressed paper to produce clear images. Afterward, artisans hand-colored many maps to enhance their appeal. This method replaced earlier woodcut printing, allowing finer lines and richer details. Influential figures like Marcantonio Raimondi and Gerardus Mercator contributed to this progress, sometimes collaborating or engraving their own maps.
Core innovators Abraham Ortelius, Gerard Mercator, and Jodocus Hondius blended science and art in their atlases. Their maps represented not only geography but also political power and cultural pride, supporting education and navigation. Today, maps from this period remain highly valued for their beauty and historical importance, inspiring future cartographical work and prized by collectors and museums worldwide.
| Dimensions | 12.5 × 8.5 cm |
|---|---|
| Orientation | |
| Artist | |
| Published by | Barent Langenes |
| Publish Date | 1598 |
| Frame | No Frame |
| Era | |
| Condition |
Our antique prints are carefully packaged to ensure safe arrival.
Smaller prints are shipped in acid-free, flat protective packaging, while larger works are securely rolled and sent in a sturdy tube to preserve their condition.
Netherlands: €7.50 —
European Union: €15
Outside the EU: On request (contact us for an exact quote)
We offer custom framing for all prints, from classic antique frames to contemporary minimalist styles.
Choose any print from the collection
We discuss frame styles, materials & pricing
The print will be professionally framed and shipped via courier for maximum safety
If you would like your print framed, please contact us, we are happy to advise on styles and options.
Our highest classification. These prints are clean, bright, and exceptionally well-preserved, featuring a strong and crisp image. No notable imperfections.
Prints in this condition show a clean, sharp image. Paper quality or margin size may vary slightly. Minor age-related characteristics, such as small wormholes, light toning, or tiny separations may be present depending on the print date.
No major imperfections. Any minor flaws or historical repairs are fully noted in the product description. Overall a well-preserved and collectible piece.
These prints show noticeable imperfections such as foxing, weaker image strength, or longer separations, but remain collectible. All visible characteristics are clearly described.
