China Illustrata

"China Illustrata" is a scholarly book published in 1667 by Dutch scholar Athanasius Kircher. It explores Chinese culture, science, technology, and philosophy, based on European travelers’ reports and Chinese texts. The work aims to introduce Western readers to China's advancements and society, highlighting its inventions like papermaking and printing, as well as beliefs and customs. While it reflects 17th-century European perspectives, the book was influential in shaping European understanding of China during that period, blending curiosity, admiration, and sometimes misconceptions about Chinese civilization.