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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.

The southern coast of Java ('Iava Maior') on this map is represented by a dotted line, indicating that the exact coastline was unknown at this time. French text on the reverse describes the geography, crops, animals etc. of the Maluku Islands.

An early 17th century map by the Flemish/Dutch cartographer Jodocus Hondius showing Asia and part of Europe and Africa. The Latin text on New Guinea translates as ‘Whether it is an island or the southern part of the continent is not yet certain’.

An early 17th century map by the Flemish/Dutch cartographer Jodocus Hondius showing Asia and part of Europe and Africa. The Latin text on New Guinea translates as ‘Whether it is an island or the southern part of the continent is not yet certain’.

This early 17th century map of Asia by Jodocus Hondius was based on the earlier work of the Gerard Mercator. Hondius republished Mercator’s ‘Atlas’, with additional maps, which was instrumental in re-establishing Mercator’s reputation.