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Description

Antique Map of Central and Eastern Asia, from the Caspian Sea to China 

John Cary's map titled "A New Map of Chinese & Independent Tartary, From The Latest Authorities" is a broadsheet representation of Central and Eastern Asia, spanning from the Caspian Sea to China. Published in London, it displays both geographical features and sociopolitical contexts of the late 18th and early 19th Century.

Chinese Tartary typically referred to the Manchu Qing Dynasty's territories, including present-day Manchuria, Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Tibet. The Qing Empire, founded in 1644, expanded rapidly, with Chinese Tartary representing the empire's control over these non-Han Chinese regions.

Throughout the 18th century, the Qing consolidated its rule over these territories. It implemented administrative changes to bring the region under central control and actively encouraged Han Chinese migration to these territories, particularly Xinjiang and Manchuria, as a way of asserting cultural and political influence. This period also saw a gradual sinicization of the local cultures, as Chinese customs, language, and administrative practices spread.

Independent Tartary, on the other hand, represented the areas outside Chinese influence, including large parts of present-day Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, these regions were primarily composed of a patchwork of Khanates, including the Khanate of Kokand, Khiva, and Bukhara, which were semi-nomadic empires with shifting alliances and territories.

However, the balance of power began to shift in the 19th century as the Russian Empire expanded southwards into Central Asia, a process known as the "Great Game". By the mid-19th century, much of Independent Tartary would come under Russian control, ending the independence of many of these Khanates.

The map indicates the territories established by the Treaty of Kyakhta, also known as the "Peace of Niptchou" signed in 1727. This peace treaty established the borders between the Russian Empire and the Qing Dynasty of China, marking the first formal diplomatic interactions between the two empires. The boundaries agreed upon during the treaty are displayed as a line on the map.

The map shows the "limits between the Kalkas" referring to the border of the territory inhabited by the Khalkha Mongols, the largest subgroup of Mongols residing primarily in Mongolia, China, and Russia. The map delineates this particular border to distinguish them from other regional groups.

On the map, Kara Korum, labelled as Kara Kim, is marked as the supposed capital of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan. It was the political, cultural, and economic hub of the empire during the 13th century. However, its precise location was often disputed due to the limited geographical knowledge of the period.

The Gobi desert, also called Samo by the Chinese according to the map, was a largely unexplored region during this era. The desert's vastness and harsh conditions made it a formidable obstacle for explorers and cartographers, leaving many of its features unknown.

Soongaria, Turkistan, Bucharia, Little Thibet, and Thibet are all labeled on the map. These regions correspond to present-day Xinjiang, Tibet, and parts of Central Asia. The map features various lakes, mountain ranges, and place names.

Soongaria (or Dzungaria) and Turkistan represent regions in today's Northwestern China and parts of Central Asia. Bucharia refers to the historic region of Bukhara, which includes parts of modern Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.

Little Thibet and Thibet represent regions in modern Tibet. The depiction of these regions in the map is significant as it indicates the areas of influence and territorial control during that period. 

John Cary Biography

John Cary (1755-1835) was a British cartographer and publisher best known for his clean engraving and distinct style which influenced the entire map industry. Born in Wiltshire, John was apprenticed to an engraver in London. He started his own business by 1782 and moved to several premises before settling at 86 St James’s Street in 1820.

Cary had several significant collaborations during his career. John Wallis and Cary diversified Cary’s business to include broader publishing projects. Brother William and John made globes together, while brother Francis participated in the company’s engraving work. Finally, geologist William Smith and Cary developed and sold geological maps, some of the first of their kind. The pair also produced a notable series of county maps starting in 1819. Cary’s atlases, of English counties and the world, were the standard texts of the early nineteenth century. He was appointed surveyor of roads to the General Post Office in 1794, which led to the New Itinerary, first published in 1798.  

John trained his son, George, in engraving and George and his other son, John Jr., took over the business in 1821. It was then known as G. and J. Cary and continued in trade until 1850. The firm’s materials were then acquired by George Frederick Cruchley and then Gall and Inglis. By the time John died in 1835, Cary was the authoritative name in private map publishing and his business was a leader in the field throughout the first half of the nineteenth century.