Original antique map map published by Pieter van der Aa, in 1670 and is based on a drawing by Johannes (Jan or Jean) Nieuhof, a Dutch adventurer whose travels in China provided Europeans with some of the earliest visual information about the region.
It is from "La Galerie Agreable du Monde," an extensive 17th century atlas of the world. This particular map depicts the city of Guangzhou, also known as Canton, the capital of Guangdong Province in China.
It shows the city from a birds-eye view, which highlights the city's grid-like structure, and the cartouche in the upper corners, decorated with cherubs, adds a decorative element typical of maps from this era.The map focuses on Guangzhou, illustrating its urban layout, significant buildings, and surrounding natural features. In the foreground, European and Chinese ships are depicted in the harbour, indicating Guangzhou's role as a significant trading port during the period. The inclusion of both European and Chinese ships highlights the city's importance in international trade.It reflects the European fascination with China during the Age of Exploration. Guangzhou was a crucial trading hub, especially for the Dutch, who were actively engaged in trade with East Asia. The map's inclusion in Pieter van der Aa's extensive atlas highlights its importance within the larger framework of world geography and cultural documentation.
Johan Nieuhof (1618 - 1672) was a traveller and explorer with the Dutch East India Company. Born Lower Saxony he spent most of his life in Brazil, China and India. His written account of his journey from Canton to Peking in 1655-1657 called “An embassy from the East-India Company of the United Provinces, to the Grand Tartar Cham, Emperor of China” made him famous and improved European knowledge about China, developed the fashion in Europe for Chinoiserie and made him an important author and scholar on China.
On a different journey, this time to Ceylon, he was arrested for illegally trading in pearls which led to his dismissal from the Dutch East India Company. Some time after his release he disappeared somewhere in Madagascar and was never seen again.
