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This map of Asia, from an atlas by the German cartographer Karl von Spruner, is colour-coded to show the colonial possessions of the European powers—Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, France, Britain and Denmark—at the end of the 17th century.

A late 18th century map of Asia with regions divided by colour-coded borders, and detailing rivers, mountains, reefs and shoals.

A late 18th century map of Asia published in London by John Bowles, with regions indicated by colour. Central Borneo is labelled ‘Part inhabited by the Biayos’, which is seen on many contemporary maps, often with the comment ‘a savage people’.

A late 18th century map of Asia, with notes on the principal states, empires and kingdoms of Asia written in French on the right-hand side.

A 19th century map concentrating on Southeast Asia and India. The island of Borneo is annotated with the text 'The Inland Part of this Island is inhabited by the Biayos a savage People'.

This mid-18th century map of Asia has a stereographic projection to aid navigation. An illustration features Asian men—probably merchants, one of whom sits on a throne—and a kneeling elephant.

This mid-18th century map of Asia has a stereographic projection to aid in navigation. There is also an illustration featuring two Asian men depicted as native warriors, with a robed woman, as well as a large lizard.

An early 18th century map of Asia by the English cartographer John Senex, featuring labels noting details of the inhabitants of some areas e.g. on Borneo: ‘The Middle of this Isle is Inhabited by a People call’d Beaujous Idolaters’.

Map of Asia from the second volume of ‘Navigantium atque itinerantium bibliotheca: or, A compleat collection of voyages and travels: consisting of above four hundred of the most authentick writers’ published by John Harris in 1705.

This early 17th century map features a number of mythical lakes that were once thought to exist in southern China—including ‘Cayamay Lacus’—and which feed several rivers that flow south through mainland Southeast Asia.