One of the most sought-after maps of China, published over 400 years ago in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The map shows China, Japan, Korea and the Northwest Coast of America, the Great Wall, Korea as an Island, and a badly misprojected Japan. The annotations beneath the land sailing craft suggest that this is an indigenous mode of transportation. On the Northwest Coast of America, the annotation references the Tartar hordes which inhabit the region and names Cape Fortuna, Anconde Island, Costa de los Tacbaios, Costa Brava and Alcones. Interesting depiction of eastern and western sailing craft, a sea monster and other decorative and fanciful features. A scene in a panel on the right shows an ancient Japanese torturing technique [actually shown is the crucifixion of Christians].
Jodocus Hondius is one of the most notable engravers of his time, is known for his work in association with many of the cartographers and publishers prominent at the end of the sixteenth and the beginning of the seventeenth century.
