XEE4154702 Invention of the Chinese compa: Chinese navigator using the compa on his boat. The first use of the compas as a navigational instrument on Chinese ships dates from the end of the 10th century. Chromolithography of the 19th century. by Unknown Artist, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Invention of the Chinese compa: Chinese navigator using the compa on his boat. The first use of the compas as a navigational instrument on Chinese ships dates from the end of the 10th century. Chromolithography of the 19th century.); Stefano Bianchetti.