The map of China from the first English atlas of the world

A very fine example of the 'carte-à-figure' map of China, Korea and Japan, from Speed's 'Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World', the first English world atlas. Most of the information is taken from the Ortelius map of 1584, but it has been redrawn with north at the top and the 'island' of Korea has been added, as well as a recognisable Luzon in the Philippines. Outside the Great Wall of China devils fill the 'Desert Lop' in Mongolia. In Indochina is the mythical 'Lake of Chiamay', source of the major rivers of the region, including the Indus, Ganges & Mekong. Further north the map ends at the 'Straite of Anian', with 'Parte of America' containing one name, 'C. de Fortuna'. Along the top of the map are four vignettes: plans of Macao and Quinzay (Hangzhou) and illustrations of land yachts and executions. Down the sides are eight costume illustrations.