Imperii Sinarum Nova Descriptio

An interesting Antiqua map of China from the early 18th century.

This fascinating synthesis of Classical and “modern” geography was issued as part of the 1711 edition of Philip Cluver’s Introductio in Universam Geographiam, published in London by John Nicholson. Cluver’s (sometimes Latinized as Cluverius) groundbreaking work was first issued in the 1620s without maps, but its immense commercial popularity and usefulness as an academic reference ensured a long shelf life, with over 40 different editions published across more than a century.

The charming map, engraved by the prominent English cartographer John Senex, provides a legible and comprehensible overview of China and the adjacent areas. Latin toponyms identify a variety of kingdoms, settlements (both ancient and contemporary), and physical geographic features. Of particular interest are the Great Wall, the depiction of the Xamo (Gobi) Desert, and a massive Taiwan (Formosa). The decorative title cartouche features two natives engaging with a European merchant, presumably about the pottery being fired.