The Kingdome of China: newly augmented by I.S. 1626

Description

hand-coloured copper engraving.

This map from ‘A Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World’ shows China, Korea and Japan and is the only carte-a-figures map made of this area. The Great Wall protects the Kingdom of China from a variety of evil creatures that occupy The Desert Lop, and the rest of the kingdom is delineated by a long range of mountains in the west that separates it from The Kingdome of Bramas. Korea is a long island and Japan is presented on the Ortelius-Teixeira model. The decorative panel at top features bird’s-eye plans of Macao (copied from DeBry) and Qyinzay (Hangzhou) along with scenes depicting ingeniously crafted wind-carts and a manner of execution (crucifixion). The inhabitants of the region are shown at sides, including a very early depiction of a Japanese soldier. Notes throughout the map deal with various historical & mythical aspects of the region, including where men are seduced by wonderful illusions and where fireproof cloth is woven. The English text on verso provides an equally fascinating description of Chinese culture. There is the George Humble’s imprint at Popshead Alley in lower right.