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This map of Southeast Asia features a rhumbline network, a web of lines used to aid navigation. Coastal areas are detailed while interiors are mainly blank, and there are illustrations of sailing ships, reinforcing the maritime focus of this map.

A map of the northern Philippine islands with a rhumbline network, a web of lines to aid navigation. Bathymetry (sea depth), shoals and reefs are marked, reinforcing the maritime theme. The compass rose points left, indicating north’s direction.

French text on the reverse of this map describes the religion, languages, crops, trade etc. of Aracam and Pegu (Myanmar), Siam (Thailand), Cambaja (Cambodia). The map is dedicated to the Dutch merchant Christophoro Thisio.

A map of Asia decorated with colourful illustrations including two men in ‘eastern’ clothing, the Greek goddess Athena with a coat of arms and a knight in armour, and cherubs playing with cartography tools: a globe, compass, and pair of callipers.

The cartouche on this mid-17th century map of Asia by the Dutch cartographer Frederik de Wit (c. 1629–1706) is decorated with drawings of Asian men dressed in traditional costume and carrying bows.

The cartouche on this mid-17th century map of Asia by the Dutch cartographer Frederik de Wit (c. 1629–1706) is decorated with drawings of Asian men dressed in traditional costume and carrying bows.

The cartouche on this mid-17th century map of Asia by the Dutch cartographer Frederik de Wit (c. 1629–1706) is decorated with drawings of Asian men dressed in traditional costume and carrying bows.

The cartouche on this mid-17th century map of Asia by the Dutch cartographer Frederik de Wit (c. 1629–1706) is decorated with drawings of Asian men dressed in traditional costume and carrying bows.

The cartouche on this mid-17th century map of Asia by the Dutch cartographer Frederik de Wit (c. 1629–1706) is decorated with drawings of Asian men dressed in traditional costume and carrying bows.

This mid-17th century Italian map is from Sir Robert Dudley's atlas ‘Dell'arcano del Mare’, the first maritime atlas to show the whole world, and the first to use the Mercator projection.

This mid-17th century Italian map is from Sir Robert Dudley's atlas ‘Dell'arcano del Mare’. It shows the Sunda Strait (‘Stretto di Sunda’) between the Southeast Asian islands of Sumatra and Java. Text on the map refers to currents (‘Corrente’).

This mid-17th century map of Asia is illustrated with drawings of Asian people wearing traditional clothing, including a man and woman from Java in Southeast Asia. There are also drawings and plans of important Asian cities.