Independent Tartary antique map (Tartars, Bride Chase & Tent). c1854

by London Printing & Publishing Company

Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, Caspian Sea and Aral Sea c1854. Original decorative Tallis map of Independent Tartary c1854 - surrounded by Russia in Europe, Russia in Asia, Chinese Empire, Cabool and Persia. This antique map of Tartary, decorated with small engraved vignettes of of The Bride Chase - A Marriage Custom of the Tartars, The Tent, and Tartars on a Journey, all surrounded by a pretty, finely engraved border. The Map was drawn and engraved by John Rapkin, with the illustrations by W. Bragg engraved by J. Rogers, for The London Printing and Publishing Company, London & New York, circa 1854. This map has original (contemporary) pen outlining, and colour wash to the Caspian Sea and Aral Sea.

The London Printing and Publishing Company was a partnership fromed by John Tallis and Ephraim Tipton Brain in 1853. John Tallis was the driving force behind Tallis & Co. who were highly regarded for publishing accurate finely engraved maps, which were more interesting and decorative because of  their exquisitely engraved borders and vignettes of related views, fauna and people. Tallis combined the science of geography with art to present stylish informative maps of all the regions of the world. Tallis were among the last publishers of decorative atlases and books, as fine engraving was skilled work that was slow and costly.

This is a very interesting map, measuring 27 x 35cm (10 5/8 x 13 3/4 inches), with central vertical fold to facilitate a smaller publication.