Blaeu, Johannes. Quangsi, Sinarvm Imperii Provincia Decimateria . Amsterdam, 1650s. [China]

Johannes Blaeu
Quangsi, Sinarvm Imperii Provincia Decimateria [China]
Amsterdam, 1650s
21 x 24 3/4 inches

The map titled *"Quangsi, Sinarvm Imperii Provincia Decimateria"* (Guangxi, the Tenth Province of the Chinese Empire) was created in the 1650s by Johannes Blaeu, a renowned Dutch cartographer. This map, part of Blaeu’s extensive work on the Chinese Empire, focuses on the Guangxi province, located in the southern part of China. 

The map is richly detailed, featuring a depiction of the region's topography, including mountains, rivers, and cities. The intricate detailing of the terrain showcases the significant geographical features of the Guangxi province, reflecting both the natural and human-made landscape of the area during that period. The map is bordered with illustrations and decorations typical of the Baroque style, which was prevalent in European art and cartography during the 17th century. Additionally, the map includes Latin inscriptions and possibly some Chinese characters, providing an authentic representation of the region's administrative divisions.

**About the Map Maker:**

Johannes Blaeu (1596-1673) was a prominent Dutch cartographer and publisher, part of the renowned Blaeu family, who were leading mapmakers in Amsterdam during the 17th century. Johannes was the son of Willem Blaeu, another famed cartographer, and inherited his father’s mapmaking business, eventually expanding it into one of the most successful cartographic enterprises of the time.

Blaeu's work is characterized by its precision, artistic quality, and attention to detail. He produced numerous atlases, maps, and globes that were highly regarded across Europe. His atlases, known as the *Atlas Maior*, were among the most comprehensive and lavishly illustrated works of the era. Blaeu’s maps, including the one of Guangxi, combined the latest geographical knowledge with artistic embellishments, making them not only valuable for navigation and geographical understanding but also for their aesthetic appeal.

Johannes Blaeu's contributions to cartography had a lasting impact, and his works remain highly sought after by collectors and historians. His maps are considered some of the finest examples of 17th-century cartography, embodying the spirit of exploration and the desire to document the world's vast and diverse regions.