A striking hand colored 1764 map of China and Korea by Jacques Nicolas Bellin, showing peninsula, towns, rivers, mountains, and most notably, the Great Wall of China.  Full title in French: "Carte du Katay, ou Empire de Kin.  Pour Servir a l'Histoire de Jenghiz Khan, raportée dans l'Histoire Generale des Voyages, Tirée de l'Angloise" (Map of Katay, or Kin Empire. To Serve the History of Jenghiz Khan, Brought Back in the General History of Travels, Taken from the English).  The cartouch is somewhat restrained compared to other Bellin maps.  Center fold as issued.  Excellent condition.  Map size: 8 x 12 1/2 inches.
 
Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703 - 1772), was one of the most important cartographers of the 18th century, with a career spanning some 50 years.  Compared to earlier 17th and 18th century cartographic work, Bellin's maps focus on function and accuracy tending.  Unlike many of his contemporaries, Bellin was always careful to cite his references.  Despite his success, he did not always enjoy his work, which is described as "long, unpleasant, and hard".  In addition to numerous maps and charts published during his lifetime, many of Bellin's maps published posthumously with updates.