circa 1623 · Chinese-language woodblock world map

Wanguo Quantu

Giulio Aleni

Why it matters

Aleni compressed and adapted the Ricci map for further circulation. Its changed format shows that knowledge became durable through revision and reuse, not through a single definitive cartographic breakthrough.

Publication: Complete Map of All Nations
Holding institution: Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana
Shelfmark: Barberini Oriente 151 (1a)
Rights: Public-domain work; faithful reproduction marked free of known restrictions

Aleni, Giulio. Wanguo Quantu (Complete Map of All Nations). China, circa 1623. Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Barberini Oriente 151 (1a).

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