This is one of the original world maps prepared by Matteo Ricci (1552 - 1610), an Italian missionary to China, based on the world map known in Europe at that time. Li Zhizau edited the map and translated it into Chinese. The map was published in Beijing in the 30th year of Wanli (1602). China was located near the center of the map sheet and all the alphabetical writing on the map was transliterated into Chinese letters. One that The Archives possessed was cut from the world map, including areas of Japan (excluding Ezo) to Burma from east to west and Senjou (Vietnam) to the south. The map was adhered to the reverse side of Koyozu prepared from a birds' eye perspective.