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A mid-17th century map of Asia decorated with a border of drawings of Asian cities and Asian rulers, including the port of Bantam (Banten) at the western end of Java, and a portrait of ‘Rex Moluccae’ the ‘king’ of the Moluccas (Maluku Islands).

This mid-17th century Italian map shows the eastern islands of maritime Southeast Asia. Text on the map refers to winds (‘Venti’), currents (‘Corrente’) and air temperature (‘L'Aria è Calda e Humida [The air is hot and humid]’).

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.

This map is illustrated with drawings of Asian people wearing traditional clothing, including representatives of Sumatra, Java and the Maluku Islands. There are also drawings of important ports such as Bantam (Banten) at the western end of Java.

This map is illustrated with drawings of Asian people wearing traditional clothing, including representatives of Sumatra, Java and the Maluku Islands. There are also drawings of important ports such as Bantam (Banten) at the western end of Java.

This map is illustrated with drawings of Asian people wearing traditional clothing, including representatives of Sumatra, Java and the Maluku Islands. There are also drawings of important ports such as Bantam (Banten) at the western end of Java.

On the right of this map, Latin text held within an elaborate border notes that five of the Maluku Islands are located nearby—Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Makian and Bacan—which trade spices including clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to the world.

On the right of this map, Latin text held within an elaborate border notes that five of the Maluku Islands are located nearby—Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Makian and Bacan—which trade spices including clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to the world.

A map featuring drawings of plants used to make spices in the Moluccas or Spice Islands: Nux Myristica (nutmeg), Cariophilorum arbor (cloves), Santalum flavum (yellow sandalwood), Santalum rubrum (red sandalwood), Santalum album (Indian sandalwood).