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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.

German text on the reverse of this map describes the populations, crops, trade etc. of Sumatra, Borneo, Philippines, and Banda Islands. There are drawings of sailing ships, and the map is dedicated to the Dutch merchant Christophoro Thisio.

First published in Johann Ludwig Gottfried's ‘Newe Archontologia Cosmica’ in 1638, this map was based on a 1634 map by Willem Janszoon Blaeu. The cartouche features drawings of two men in ‘eastern’ clothing, holding septres, a sword and a shield.

Originally published in Gerardus Mercator's ‘Atlas Sive Cosmographicae Meditationes de Fabrica Mundi et Fabricati Figura’ (1595), the title of which was the first use of the word ‘atlas’ to refer to a collection of maps. This is a 1630 reprint.

Although quite detailed for an early 17th century map of Asia, there are some inaccuracies in the representation of the islands of Southeast Asia, particularly Java (labelled 'Iaua maior'), Borneo (Burne), Sulawesi (Celebes) and the Maluku Islands.

Although quite detailed for an early 17th century map of Asia, there are some inaccuracies in the representation of the islands of Southeast Asia, particularly Java (labelled 'Iaua maior'), Borneo (Burne), Sulawesi (Celebes) and the Maluku Islands.

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.

Early 17th century map of Asia, with annotations in Latin naming the major countries, islands and cities. Maritime Southeast Asia is shown as an archipelago of many small islands.

Early 17th century map of Asia, with annotations in Latin naming the major countries, islands and cities. Maritime Southeast Asia is shown as an archipelago of many small islands. Latin text on the reverse describes the region.

Early map of Asia featuring a number of mythical lakes that were once thought to exist in southern China, and which feed several rivers that flow south through mainland Southeast Asia. Text describes the world divided into four or five regions.

Early map of Asia featuring a number of mythical lakes that were once thought to exist in southern China, and which feed several rivers that flow south through mainland Southeast Asia. Text describes the world divided into four or five regions.

The island of Java was initially labelled on this map as ‘Iaua Minor’ (Java Minor), but this was altered to ‘Iaua Maior’ (Java Major), reflecting the common confusion over the names at the time. Sumatra and Borneo were both similarly mis-labelled.