La Chine d'Athanase Kirchere de la compagnie de Jesus, illustrée de plusieurs monuments tant sacrés que profanes et de quantité de recherches de la nature. . .

Athanasius Kircher, S.J., (1601 or 1602-1680) was a 17th-century German Jesuit scholar who published around 40 works, most notably in the fields of oriental studies, geology, and medicine. Kircher has been compared to fellow Jesuit Roger Boscovich and to Leonardo da Vinci for his enormous range of interests, including discovering works and has been honoured with the title "master of a hundred arts".

The "China Illustrata" was first published in Latin in 1667, in German in 1668, and in French two years later.
The splendid engravings were based on explorers' sketches and original images imported from Asia. Not only are they clear visualizations of Kircher's philosophy toward Asian traditions but they are also the first complete illustrations of various aspects of the civilization.

A resurgence of interest in Kircher has occurred within the scholarly community in recent decades. A scientific star in his day, towards the end of his life he was eclipsed by the rationalism of René Descartes and others. In the late 20th century, however, the aesthetic qualities of his work again began to be appreciated. One modern scholar, Alan Cutler, described Kircher as "a giant among seventeenth-century scholars", and "one of the last thinkers who could rightfully claim all knowledge as his domain.
Another scholar, Edward W. Schmidt, referred to Kircher as "the last Renaissance man".

This volume represents Kircher's interest in Sinology, with an comprehensive account of China from Kircher's Jesuit sources.

The book contains a small dictionary, along with descriptions and illustrations of customs, religion, rituals, flora and fauna, style of dress, and views.

Including an attractive, well made map of China, divided in its respective provinces. Formosa and the greater part of Japan are included. At bottom right a cartouche flanked by two male figures in typical dress of the time.
The map was derived from a Jesuit Father, Martino Martini.