Copperplate engraved map: Hangzhou city, China. Printed Leipzig, 1750

This is an 18th-century German map titled "Grundriss der Stadt HANG-TCHEOU-FOU oder Hang-chew-Fu", which depicts the city of Hangzhou, China.

The map illustrates Hangzhou during the Qing Dynasty. I bought it from an Austrian dealer some years ago. It comes from the sixth volume of Allgemeine Historie der Reisen zur Wasser und zu Lande (General History of Travels by Water and Land), published in Leipzig in 1750. This volume is devoted to China.

The map is after "P. du Halde": The "P." stands for Père (Father). Jean-Baptiste Du Halde was a French Jesuit priest who compiled vast geographic reports sent back by missionaries working on the ground in China.

Key Features of the map:
The City (Die Stadt): The large walled area at the top represents the main city of Hangzhou.
The Tartar Garrison: A smaller walled enclosure within the city is labeled as the "Wohnung der Tartarischen Truppen" (Residence of the Tartar Troops), referring to the Manchu garrison established during the Qing period.
West Lake (Si-hou): The large body of water at the bottom is labeled as "Kleiner See, Si-hou genannt" (West Lake), described in the text as having water as "clear as crystal."
Islands: The map notes small islands in the lake ("Kleine Inseln") where people go to enjoy themselves.
Qiantang River: The river flowing along the top right is labeled "Fluß Tsien-tang."

This map is a classic example of Jesuit cartography. The data was originally gathered by Jesuit missionaries in China and then adapted by European engravers, reflecting the 18th-century European fascination with the "Far East."

Description: Copperplate engraving. Image area measurement approximately 21 x 15.5 cm, uncoloured, blank verso.

Condition: Some foxing. This smallish map would frame nicely.