“Ka-na-ta” on early Chinese map

A rare map known as the “Impossible Black Tulip” is now on display at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. In 1602, Matteo Ricci, a Jesuit missionary working in China, created a detailed map identifying several locations in North America, including Canada. Interestingly, Canada was known as “Ka-na-ta” at that time. With its Chinese characters and pictures, the map clearly shows landmarks like the Great Lakes and places China at the centre of the world. Learn more on how the East saw the West at Rare Chinese-language map describes 'Ka-na-ta' (www).