1671 Original Engraving - CINNAMON - ANNONA - DURIAN

Title: Cinnamonium, Ya-Ta, Du-Liam. [Cinnamon, Annona, Durian]
Printed: London, 1671

A charming scene in Asia, as viewed by early European travelers. This is an original steel engraving from the 1671 London edition of the title, 'Atlas Chinensis. Being a second part of a relation of remarkable passages in two embassies from the East-India Company of the United Provinces, to the vice-roy Singlamong and General Taising Lipovi, and to Konchi, Emperor of China and East Tartary', by Ogilby and Montanus.

Very good condition with wide margins and retaining a strong impression. Early engraving of exotic Asian fruit and spice plants. Possible candidate for framing. Sheet measures approximately 19 inches x 16 inches (48cm x 41cm). Image measures approximately 13.5 inches x 9.75 inches (30cm x 25cm).

John Ogilby was a geographer, historian, publisher, Royal Cosmographer, and Master of Revels in Ireland. In 1675 he compiled Britannia, the first book of road maps to use the standard mile of 1760. Known famously as a publisher of maps and geographical accounts, Ogilby is revered for his ambitious project, a multi-volume description of the world which would include America, Asia, Europe, and Great Britain. The volumes contained unsurpassed comprehensive descriptions, remarkable views and important maps, and were joint collaborations in conjunction with the Dutch publisher Jacob van Meurs. 'Africa' and 'Atlas Japannensis' were published in 1670, 'Atlas Chinensis' in 1671, and 'Asia' 1673. In 1671 Ogilby also published 'America', translated from Arnold Montanus' Dutch text, though adding fresh material on the English colonies. He also translated Montanus Africa, China, Japan, Persia, and Asia.