Large Draught of the North Part of China Shewing the Passages and the Chanells into the Harbour of Chusan

Acquired From: Leen Helmink

Colouring: Uncoloured

Confirmed: No

Description: Samuel Thornton, the son of the renowned chartmaker John Thornton, inherited his father's chartmaking business after Johns death in 1708. Building on his fathers legacy, Samuel continued to produce and republish vital sea charts that played a key role in navigation during Englands maritime expansion. One notable chart depicts the Java Sea. stretching from the northwest edge of Borneo near Banjarmasin to Java and Bali in the southwest. Its southeastern reach includes 't Land van Floris (Flores), while in the northeast it extends to Celebes (Sulawesi), including the prominent seaport of Macassar. The intricate chain of islands in the centre is aptly labelled "The Pater Nosters."nOriginally part of The English Pilot. The Third Book, first published in 1711, this second edition, is identified by the updated imprint to Samuel Thornton. The map depicts the Zhoushan Islands (formerly Chusan Islands), and follows the coastline of China's Zhejiang Province from just north of Taizhou, to the of the city of Ningbo (Ningpo), Hanzhou Bay and the mouth of the Qiantang River. Notably, the chart is oriented with west at the top.nIn the lower-left corner of the map, an inset provides engraved views of the islands as seen on approach, offering critical visual aids for navigators. Along the coastline near the walled city of Chusan, a flag marks the location of an English factoryan important trading station that underscores the strategic significance of this region for English maritime trade.nIn the upper-right corner, the map features a charmingly framed dedication to "the Court of Managers for the United Trade to the East Indies," referring to the English East India Company.nFor comparison, see Johannes van Keulen's chart of the Chinese coast (View Record (#387)).

First published: Third Book of The English Pilot. The Third Book…, London: John How, 1711

Mapmaker: Thornton, Samuel (1665-1715)

Notes: Purchase details

Primary Category: Sea Charts

Purchase Reference: Email to Rob 25 October 2023

Sheet size (cm): 88×53

Technique: Copper Engraving

This state: 1745