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Spread over four sheets, this topographical map was based on the explorations of the French civil servant Auguste Pavie. Lasting 16 years (1879–1895), his ‘Missions Pavie’ explored all of mainland Southeast Asia.

Although this map focuses on French colonial possessions in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and India, a small part of Southeast Asia is shown: labelled ‘Birmans’, it was part of the Birman Empire (modern Myanmar).

Although this map focuses on French colonial possessions in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and India, a small part of Southeast Asia is shown: labelled ‘Birmans’, it was part of the Birman Empire (modern Myanmar).

Although this map focuses on French colonial possessions in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and India, a small part of Southeast Asia is shown: labelled ‘Birmans’, it was part of the Birman Empire (modern Myanmar).

Although this map focuses on French colonial possessions in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and India, a small part of Southeast Asia is shown: labelled ‘Birmans’, it was part of the Birman Empire (modern Myanmar).

A late 18th century map of Asia, with notes on the principal states, empires and kingdoms of Asia written in French on the right-hand side.

A piece of paper printed with a list of the various regions of Asia, including the regions of Southeast Asia, has been adhered to the right-hand side of this late 18th century map of Asia.

The arrows on this map show the direction of the seasonal monsoons of Southeast Asia during the late 18th century. Each arrow has a label in French, indicating the month. The hatched sea areas are where the winds always blow in the same direction.

Map of the regions, empires and states of Asia. Extensive notes cover religion (people of mainland Southeast Asia are idolaters), colonialism (Dutch and Portuguese rule in Malacca and the Sunda Islands) and the spice trade of the Maluku Islands.

Map of the regions, empires and states of Asia. Extensive notes cover religion (people of mainland Southeast Asia are idolaters), colonialism (Dutch and Portuguese rule in Malacca and the Sunda Islands) and the spice trade of the Maluku Islands.

The title of this mid-18th century map translates as ‘Asia following the latest observations of the Muscovites/Russians’. Written notes in French list the regions, islands, empires, kingdoms, colonial possessions, religions and languages of Asia.

Map marking the routes through maritime Southeast Asia of two delegations: a French delegation from Brest, France to Siam in 1685; and a Siamese delegation from Siam to Brest in 1686. A note next to Aceh records a sea battle against Portugal in 1616.