The new issue of continuum, the magazine of the University Libraries, is now available online. Issue 8, as well as all past issues, can be downloaded at http://www.lib.umn.edu/continuum/.

Posted by Marlo Welshons at 2:45 PM | Permalink

WASHINGTON, DC (January 12, 2010) -- Today at the Library of Congress the James Ford Bell Trust unveiled for the first time in North America, Matteo Ricci's 1602 "Impossible Black Tulip," a massive map showing the world with China at its center. It is the first map in Chinese to show the Americas, and the first printed map to incorporate both Eastern and Western cartography.

"Matteo Ricci's Map is one of the most significant cartographical documents ever produced," said Dr. Ford W. Bell, Trustee of the James Ford Bell Trust and President of the American Association of Museums. "The map brings together the best of western science, mathematics and geography to show China, the western hemisphere and the five continents in their relative positions.

The map was created at the request of Emperor Wanli and was designed to incorporate as much Jesuit knowledge as possible, in combination with some of the great works of Chinese scholars, demonstrated both graphically and in Chinese characters surrounding the map. The legendary map is the second most expensive printed rare map ever sold; the first was the Waldseemuller world map, the first to name America.

"The map represents the momentous first meeting of East and West as drawn by Jesuit Matteo Ricci, the first Westerner to enter Peking," said Ti Bin Zhang, First Secretary for Cultural Affairs Embassy of the People's Republic of China. "This historic map was the catalyst for commerce and the subsequent relationship between the East and West."

The Ricci Map is one of only seven known examples and there is no other known example in either the United States or China. The map will be on display at the Library of Congress alongside the Waldseemuller from January 12 to April 10, 2010. The Library of Congress rarely exhibits artifacts it does not own, but it has made an exception in this case due to the rarity, history and cultural significance of the Ricci Map. "The juxtaposition of the Ricci Map to the Waldsemueller signifies the importance of these maps and their place in world history, culture and geography," said Dr. Deanna Marcum, Associate Librarian for Library Services, Library of Congress.

Diane B. Neimann, Trustee of the James Ford Bell Trust, who managed the acquisition of the Ricci Map, acknowledged the importance of making the map available at the largest library in the world. "The Library of Congress will scan the Ricci Map for the World Digital Library, thereby making an image available to scholars and students on a global basis once the exhibition has ended," said Neimann.

The Ricci Map was recently sold to the James Ford Bell Trust by London's renowned rare book seller, Bernard J. Shapero for the benefit of the James Ford Bell Library at the University of Minnesota. It measures 12 feet by 5 feet, is printed on rice paper from six enormous wood blocks and is designed to be mounted on a folding screen.

"My grandfather James Ford Bell, the founder of General Mills, established the James Ford Bell Library in order to illustrate the historical background and knowledge of the great economic force of trade and to make those exciting discoveries available for appreciation and study by generations of citizens, students and scholars," Bell said. "It should be noted that my grandfather acquired the earliest Waldseemuller map of the world showing America, partner to the one hanging at the Library of Congress."

After the exhibition at the Library of Congress, the Ricci Map will be displayed for a limited time at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts before moving to its intended home in the James Ford Bell Library at the University of Minnesota.

# # #

About The James Ford Bell Library: The James Ford Bell Library documents the history and impact of international trade prior to ca. 1800 C.E. Its premier collection of rare books, maps, and manuscripts illustrates the ways in which cultural influences expanded worldwide, with a special emphasis on European interactions. The James Ford Bell Library, its collection, and its innovative programs support scholarship and education at all levels, and enrich our community by advancing understanding of this global heritage, making the world we live in more meaningful.
The James Ford Bell Library
The Associates of the James Ford Bell Library

About the Library of Congress: The Library of Congress, the nation's oldest federal cultural institution, is the world's preeminent reservoir of knowledge, providing unparalleled collections and integrated resources to Congress and the American people. Many of the Library's rich resources and treasures may also be accessed through the Library's website, and via interactive exhibitions on a personalized website at myLOC.gov.

Posted by Marlo Welshons at 11:10 AM | Permalink