China: Map of the World ('Tian Xia Tu', or 'Map of All Under Heaven') showing China, the 'Middle Kingdom', as the centre of the world. Korea, mid-18th century

This Ch’onhado (map of all under heaven), was produced in Korea in the 18th century. The map comes out of the Buddhist tradition of China with data possibly 2000 years old, although the earliest-known surviving examples date from the sixteenth century. From that time, the style gained popularity in Korea, and by the end of the nineteenth century numerous copies existed. The structure of the map is simple. A main continent, containing China, Korea, and a number of historically known countries, occupies the center of the circular map, surrounded by an enclosing sea ring, which is itself surrounded by an outerring of land.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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Pictures From History