Jacob van Meurs, “City of Hukou, Jiangxi Province”, c. 1665

Jacob van Meurs (1619–1680)

Note: Pieter van der Aa (1659–1733) later copied Meurs’ engraving for his 1670 publication, “Galerie Agreable du Monde Chine”. See: https://archive.org/details/dr_la-ville-de-hvkoen-ou-hukeu-dans-la-chine-a-leide-chez-pierre-vander-aa-11647035

“City of Hukou, Jiangxi Province” (or “Hvkoen of cu Hukeu”), c. 1666

Technical Details & Condition:

Engraving on fine laid paper with a vertical centrefold (as issued), professionally flattened and supported on archival (Kozo) washi paper. 

This engraving was published in Amsterdam by Jacob van Meurs in 1666 as part of the German edition accompanying Johannes Nieuhof’s “An Embassy from the East-India Company of the United Provinces, to the Grand Tartar Cham, Emperor of China...”. It depicts the strategically significant city of Hukou, situated where the Yangtze River meets Lake Poyang. The scene is based on firsthand sketches by Dutch explorer Johannes Nieuhof (1618–1672), who served as a steward on the first Dutch East India Company (VOC) embassy to the Qing court. For more context, see the Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Embassy_from_the_East-India_Company. 

The composition features the iconic “Stone Bell” Hill (Shizhong Shan)—the fortified rocky outcrop on the left—alongside traditional Ming-style defensive walls and watchtowers. In the foreground, a Chinese junk with ribbed sails provides both scale and authentic maritime detail. 

The impression is richly inked, crisp, and well-printed. Aside from a tiny foxing dot in the sky and a closed tear at the centrefold, the sheet is in excellent condition—free of handling marks and significant stains.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 26.1 x 35.2 cm
• Platemark: 19.8 x 30.4 cm
• Image borderline: 19.3 x 29.6 cm

In-plate Lettering:

• Upper centre: “Hukoen. / of. ou / Hukeu.”
• Lower left corner: “8”
• Lower right corner: “28 / 28.”

Price & Shipping:

AU$241 (approximately US$167.93 / €144.96 / £125.40), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this historically significant engraving from 1666, depicting the city of Hukou in Jiangxi Province, China—note that scenes like this (possibly viewed from Johannes Nieuhof’s ship) contributed to the rise of chinoiserie in the early eighteenth century. Please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will be happy to send a PayPal invoice for a smooth and secure transaction.