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The arrows on this map show the direction of the seasonal monsoons of Southeast Asia during the late 18th century. Each arrow has a label in French, indicating the month. The hatched sea areas are where the winds always blow in the same direction.

On this late 18th century map, the modern nation states of mainland Southeast Asia can be seen emerging: Myanmar (here labelled Ava), Laos, Vietnam (Tong-King and Cochinchine), Cambodia (Camboge), Thailand (Siam) and Malaysia (Malaca).

This map shows the empires and kingdoms of Asia. Its decorative cartouche features a drawing of a censer (incense burner) standing on a plinth, surrounded by patterned curtains and carpet. Magellan’s discovery of the Philippines is noted on the map.

This map shows the empires and kingdoms of Asia. Its decorative cartouche features a drawing of a censer (incense burner) standing on a plinth, surrounded by patterned curtains and carpet. Magellan’s discovery of the Philippines is noted on the map.

Three of the larger Sunda Islands—Sumatra, Java and Borneo—are shown on this mid-18th century map, along with a few of the smaller islands such as Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa. Celebes (Sulawesi) and some of the other smaller islands are not included.

This mid-18th century map shows the island of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, divided by the Straits of Malacca. A note in French at the top right corner states that the interior of Sumatra and the course of its rivers are unknown.

This map shows the islands of Java, Sumatra and Borneo, the straits of Sunda, Malacca and Bangka, and the Gulf of Siam. The points of the compass can be seen radiating out from a central compass rose.

The title of this mid-18th century map of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula claims that it was based on the diaries of sailors. Interestingly, the title is repeated in both German and French, as are the names of some of the locations marked on the map.

A hand-written note on the bottom margin of this map reads ‘Dressé par Rizzi Zannoni, gravé par Lattré, 1762’, indicating that it was drawn by the Italian cartographer Giovanni Antonio Rizzi Zannoni, and engraved by the French engraver Jean Lattré.

A hand-written note on the bottom margin of this map reads ‘Dressé par Rizzi Zannoni, gravé par Lattré, 1762’, indicating that it was drawn by the Italian cartographer Giovanni Antonio Rizzi Zannoni, and engraved by the French engraver Jean Lattré.

Map of the regions, empires and states of Asia. Extensive notes cover religion (people of mainland Southeast Asia are idolaters), colonialism (Dutch and Portuguese rule in Malacca and the Sunda Islands) and the spice trade of the Maluku Islands.

Map of the regions, empires and states of Asia. Extensive notes cover religion (people of mainland Southeast Asia are idolaters), colonialism (Dutch and Portuguese rule in Malacca and the Sunda Islands) and the spice trade of the Maluku Islands.