Shanxi Province

1175 x 705mm., hand-coloured manuscript map on 2 joined sheets, silked, some expert restoration and repair 

All Under Heaven 10

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."

AN INTRICATELY COLOURED MANUSCRIPT MAP. This map of Shanxi might have been created to provide the central government in Beijing with an overview of the province. "A combination of text, abstract icons, semi-pictorial signs, and representational motifs articulates the administrative organization of the province in geographic and cultural terms. The names of the cardinal directions are written and circled in red in each of the map's four sides, with west at the top, north at the right, east at the bottom, and south at the left. This orientation is approximate, for the Fen River, which in reality flows from the north of the province to the southwest, coursing between the Taihang and Lüliang mountain ranges, here runs in a more westerly direction. Because it carries sedimentary soil from the province towards the Yellow River (Huanghe), the Fen is painted the reddish yellow of loess. Winding vertically through the map, it furnishes the primary geographic and visual element around which the province's human settlements and administrative areas are arranged. Such major cities as the provincial capital (Shanxi shengcheng) appear as square spaces surrounded by thick city walls. The names of the major prefectures (fu) and districts (xian) are similarly enclosed in squared outlines. Changes in the names of administrative levels of several districts are explained in notes written beside the borders surrounding the district's names. Pictorial renderings of groups of low structures, watchtowers, and red flags identify the presence of garrisons. Roads are marked in crimson red" (All Under Heaven).