Search

A map of Asia decorated with illustrations of sea monsters, strange creatures and ships. There is Latin text on the back of the map describing Asia.

The line of settlements along the north coast of Java—contrasting with the almost empty interior—show that this map’s focus is on the sea. The islands, shoals and reefs that are marked reinforce this idea.

A colourful early 17th century map of Sumatra, Java and the Malay Peninsula, with North located to the left, and major settlements marked. Latin text on the reverse describes the peoples, religions, languages, agriculture, mining etc. of the region.

Unusually, north is located to the left of this map of East Asia, rather than the top. The text notes that shallows and reefs are marked, and that the map is based on the explorations of Portuguese ships. Illustrations include sea monsters and ships.