1874 Sudo Manuscript Map of Shanghai Port and Vicinity, China

A most unusual manuscript map of Shanghai dating to roughly 1874. Oriented to the south, the map follows the course of the Huangpu River from its confluence with the Yangtze River and the Baoshan Waterway. Although unattributed, the map is most likely the work of Sudo Katsuzō (湏藤 / 湏藤勝三), a Japanese diplomat and cartographer who served on a mission to Taiwan and China following the Mudan Incident of 1871. The goal of the mission was to negotiate reparations with the Qing for fifty-four cannibalized Ryūkyūan sailors.

On the Map

The map follows the course of the Huangpu inland as far as Shanghai bend, noting the circular fortified Chinese City that was the original Shanghai. It also shows development along the waterfront and along Suzhou Creek (or Soochow Creek) / Wusong (Woosung) River, reflecting the Shanghai Bund and Foreign Concessions. A fort and some construction are also noted at the mouth of the Huangpu.

Publication History and Census

Manuscript. One of a kind piece.