{"product_id":"selden-map-of-china-a-new-understanding-of-the-ming-dynasty","title":"Selden Map of China: A New Understanding of the Ming Dynasty","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eThe Selden Map of China, dating from the seventeenth century, is a seafaring chart showing Ming Dynasty trade routes. It is the earliest surviving example of Chinese merchant cartography and reveals a country outward-looking, capitalistic, and vibrant. The book explores the commercial aims of the Ming Dynasty, the port city of Quanzhou, and the voyages of Zheng He, and includes an analysis of the skills and techniques involved in Chinese map-making. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e                                                            \u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e                              \u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 96 pages\u003cbr\u003e                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 28 June 2019\u003cbr\u003e                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Bodleian Library\u003cbr\u003e                          \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Selden Map of China, dating back to the seventeenth century during the height of the Ming Dynasty, presents a captivating portrayal of a country that diverges from conventional notions of the time. Instead of focusing inwardly on the Asian landmass, the map gazes outward towards the sea. Painted on three pieces of Mitsumata paper in a vibrant array of colors, this beautifully decorative map of China was initially mistaken for a seafaring chart depicting Ming Dynasty trade routes. However, upon closer examination, it was discovered to be a remarkable testament to the maritime prowess of the Ming Dynasty. It stands as the earliest surviving example of Chinese merchant cartography, providing invaluable insights into the commercial endeavors of the era. This book delves into the historical context of the map's usage, exploring the port city of Quanzhou and its connections with the voyages of the renowned explorer Zheng He. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the skills and techniques employed in Chinese map-making, highlighting the significance of the compass bearings, scale, and ratios found on the map. These elements collectively represent a significant advancement in cartographic techniques. The captivating story revealed by this extraordinary artifact is essential in comprehending the profound history of China's relationship with the sea and the broader global landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e                            \u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 682g                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 267 x 242 x 13 (mm)                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781851245246                                                      \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hongping Annie Nie","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44094440145146,"sku":"9781851245246","price":19.04,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/68adc70408a91a9300dd1eda503addc0.jpg?v=1626241968","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/selden-map-of-china-a-new-understanding-of-the-ming-dynasty","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}