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On this late 17th century map of Asia by the French cartographer Nicolas Sanson, mainland Southeast Asia is labelled ‘PresquIsle de la le Gange [Peninsula of the Ganges]’.

On this late 17th century map of Asia by the French cartographer Nicolas Sanson, mainland Southeast Asia is labelled ‘PresquIsle de la le Gange [Peninsula of the Ganges]’.

A detailed late 17th century map of Asia, showing ancient kingdoms and the place names of important settlements. The cartouche features a drawing of Asian traders selling their goods, while a camel, monkey and two birds look on.

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. Italian text on the reverse describes the Maluku Islands including Ambon, Banda and Ternate.