Asia Map

Asia Map, Fisher, Son & Co., London, 1847, executed by Cooper

This 1847 black-and-white map of Asia, published by Fisher, Son & Co., London, was executed by Cooper, indicating that Cooper was the engraver responsible for producing the printing plate from which the map was printed. In historical cartography, “executed by” credits the artisan who translated the cartographer’s design into a physical engraved plate, a crucial step in map production.

The map presents Asia in its entirety, highlighting major regions, political divisions, and empires as understood in the mid-19th century. Key areas include the Qing Empire, India under British control, Southeast Asian kingdoms, and Japan, with major rivers, mountain ranges, and principal cities clearly delineated. Boundaries and topographical features are indicated through line work and hatching, characteristic of black-and-white engraving, emphasizing clarity and legibility.

Intended for instructional and reference purposes, the map reflects the precision and craftsmanship of Cooper’s engraving and the publishing standards of Fisher, Son & Co. It is a valuable historical document, illustrating both mid-19th-century Western perceptions of Asia and the collaborative process of map production between engraver and publisher.