The Silks, varniſh'd Works, Ink, Paper, and in general every thing that comes, both from Nan-king and the other Cities of the Province, which carry on an aſtoniſhing Trade, is much more eſteem'd and dear, than what is brought from other Provinces. In the City Shang-hay only, and the Villages belonging to it, they reckon above 200,000 Weavers of Callico.
1738, J. B. Du Halde, “PROVINCE II. KYANG-NAN.”, in A Description of the Empire of China and Chinese-Tartary, Together with the Kingdoms of Korea, and Tibet, volume I, London, page 73