Prof. Wei Shyy
President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
In the year of 2022, while the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is celebrating the 30th Anniversary, we are happy to see this important volume about Western Early Printed Maps of China coming to publication.
Our University’s Library has developed the Antique Maps of China Special Collection since its founding days in 1991; it now has one of the largest collections of its kind in East Asia. In 2016, with the generous donation from Dr. Ko Pui Shuen, the Library initiated a research project to produce the first comprehensive study on Western Early Printed Maps of China. Led by the Head of the Special Collections, Dr. Marco Caboara, in collaboration with the Explokart research team at the University of Amsterdam, this research is now coming to fruition in the form of this carto-bibliography.
This important reference work captures and classifies all the maps of China published in Europe from 1584 to 1735. Through it you will see the contributions of Chinese as well as European scholars towards a global geographical comprehension of the world, and the growing understanding and fascination of the European public for this once remote yet profoundly intriguing people.
It is fitting that such a book is produced in HKUST, building on the strengths of our substantial map collection and illustrating its two core elements: its recognition and championing of the links between science, technology and humanities as well as cross-cultural connections bridging east and west, linking Hong Kong, China and the rest of the world. At HKUST, we strive to accomplish the same goals. This landmark publication is poised to become the essential reference work for scholars as well as antique maps collectors. It will certainly put HKUST research as well as our Special Collections in the spotlight of the field.
Wei