The Canton River or Chu-Kiang from Macao and Hong Kong… WELLER 1863 old map

CAPTION PRINTED BELOW PICTURE: 'The Canton River or Chu-Kiang from Macao and Hong Kong to Pottinger Island // …from Pottinger Island to Canton'

A Chart of the Pearl River Delta by Edward Weller, featuring depth soundings and finely engraved coastal detail. Among the earliest detailed maps of Hong Kong and surrounding waters, it reflects the region’s growing global importance in the mid-19th century. The map traces strategic maritime routes into the Pearl River Estuary—then known as the Canton River—leading to Guangzhou (Canton), a key Chinese trading port under the restrictive Canton System. It highlights key anchorages and navigational features vital to 19th-century trade in the South China Sea. Early settlements are marked at Victoria and Stanley on Hong Kong Island, as well as “Kowloun” (Kowloon), which remained under Chinese control until its cession in 1860. Lantao Island (now Lantau) is also shown, then largely undeveloped but strategically placed at the estuary's mouth. Hong Kong, ceded to Britain in 1841 and formalized by the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, had quickly grown from a minor outpost into a major colonial port. Macao, the nearby Portuguese enclave, is also included—its influence fading as Hong Kong rose.

DATE PRINTED: 1863    

IMAGE SIZE: Approx 43.5 x 31.5cm, 17.25 x 12.25 inches (Large)

TYPE: Antique map with original outline colour

CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. The image shown may have been taken from a different example of this map than that which is offered for sale. The map you will receive is in good condition but there may be minor variations in the condition from that shown in the image. This map was coloured by hand at the time of publication, thus the colouration may vary slightly between different examples of the map; the colouring applied to the map you receive may differ slightly from that shown in the image. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Please contact us if you would like to arrange to view this map. Virtually all antiquarian maps and prints are subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not obtrusive unless otherwise stated. We offer a no questions asked return policy.

AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic historic print, published at the date stated above. It is not a modern copy.

VERSO: There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is plain

ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Engraved by Edwd. Weller

PROVENANCE: "Cassell's Complete Atlas" (a.k.a. "The Weekly Dispatch Atlas"), Published by Cassell, Petter and Galpin, London [Cassell's Weekly Dispatch Atlas]