Maps

The first European published map of Xensi (Shaanxi) Province produced by Johannes Blaeu in the Jesuit Martino Martini’s "Atlas Sinensis", the first western atlas of China. The map features the end of the Great Wall of China and covers part of the area crossed by the Silk Route. An index at left illustrates cities, towns, forts, and mines.

Martino Martini was the Jesuit in Hangchow and collated surveys of all the regions of China which he brought back to Europe in 1654 for printing and publication. Blaeu notes in his diaries: “The Reverend Father Martinus Martinius comes from India and brings with him the figurations and descriptions of the Empire of China. He insists that I print and publish these. Therefore I leave off all other things for the time being in order to push forward this work”.