RARE MAP NORTH VIETNAM HAINAN CANTON

DANIEL TAVERNIERS LAND CHARTE DES KONIGREICHS TUNQUIN

£495

Rare early map of Vietnam & gulf of Tonquin.

The interior of the lands and islands are covered in sloping hills and orderly woods. Port cities mark the coastline with distinctive towers and buildings. Four small European ships, growing progressively larger the farther east they are, fill the inner Gulf, while a huge Asian vessel sits near the eastern border. It is next to a large compass rose. In the lower left corner is a frame cartouche surrounding the title and resting on the scale; the cartouche is held by a robed angel. Annotations pepper the map, describing borders, river systems, and famous sites, including the death of Francis Xavier, missionary to China.

The information for the map was based on the travels of Daniel Tavernier, the brother of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, Huguenot gem merchant (1605-89). The latter was known for forging a European, particularly French, trade network with India and the Far East. Jean-Baptiste went on six voyages to the Indian Ocean. He is most famous for purchasing the 116-carat Tavernier Blue diamond in 1666. He sold the gem to Louis XIV in exchange for 120,000 livres and a noble title. Louis XIV cut the stone and set a 68 carat portion, the French Blue, in a hatpin. Louis XV again reset the stone in the Medal of the Order of the Golden Fleece. This was stolen in 1792 and appeared again in London three decades later. We know it today as the Hope Diamond.

Excellent hand colour

Very good condition

Ref: Suarez, T., Early mapping of Southeast Asia, pages 216-118, Fig. 131.

Area covered from Yale historic map collection