Chinese provincial maps

22 (of 26) woodcut maps, various sizes (from 460 x 545mm. to 895 x 1105mm.), on Chinese paper, mounted on thicker paper, each map with paper label in Chinese identifying the province, some maps slightly shaved at edges affecting Chinese characters, some tears, repairs and staining, sold as a collection of maps not subject to return

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This rare group of provincial maps was published by the Government Printing house under the collective title of "Complete Geographical Map of the Great Qing Unified Empire" (Da Qing yi tong yu di quan tu). The maps are accurate and detailed examples of traditional Chinese cartography. Each map comes with a short introduction providing details on administrative divisions, information on the provincial capital as well as a list of distances. It shows geographical features as well as prefectures, departments, and counties, with their respective towns, villages, and military installations. Important forts and administrative centres are highlighted in contemporary colour. Each map is divided by graticles (cartographic grids).

Maps include: 1.Sichuan (Sichuan quan tu); 2.Mongolia (Neiwai Menggu tu); 3.Jiajuguan wai zhen di Yili he tu); 4.Guizhou (Guizhou Quantu); 5.Heilongjiang suo shu ge cheng tu; 6.Zhejiang (Zhejiang quan tu); 7.Anhui (Anhui quan tu); 8.Guangdong with Hainan (Guangdong Quantu); 9.Jiayuguan wai AnxiQinghai he tu; 10.Shaanxi Quantu; 11. Guangxi Quantu; 12.Shandong Quantu; 13.Shanxhi Quantu; 14.Hubei Quantu; 15.Liaoning (Shengjing Quantu); 16.Gansu Quantu; 17.Hebei Province (Zhili Quantu); 18.Hunan Quantu; 19.Henan Quantu; 20.Yunnan Quantu; 21.Xizhang Quantu [Tibet]; 22.Jilin tu. Not included: Fujian quantu, Jiangsu quantu, Jiangxi quantu, Xinjiang tu.