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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’.

The illustration on this map highlights the wealth of the Asian trade routes, with merchants wearing colourful and elaborate robes presenting valuable treasures to a royal figure. A monkey, tortoise and camel emphasise the 'exoticism' of Asia.

The illustration on this map highlights the wealth of the Asian trade routes, with merchants wearing colourful and elaborate robes presenting valuable treasures to a royal figure. A monkey, tortoise and camel emphasise the 'exoticism' of Asia.

This map of Asia is dedicated to Prince William, Duke of Gloucester, and features a drawing of his coat of arms. He had been in line to succeed to the English throne, but died at the age of 11 in 1700, the year before this map was produced.

This colourful map of Asia has an elaborate cartouche decorated with Asian merchants and their goods, including a censer (incense burner), jewels and fruits. They are surrounded by Asian animals, a man riding a camel, and two Japanese samurai.

This colourful map of Asia has an elaborate cartouche decorated with Asian merchants and their goods, including a censer (incense burner), jewels and fruits. They are surrounded by Asian animals, a man riding a camel, and two Japanese samurai.

This colourful map of Asia has an elaborate cartouche decorated with Asian merchants and their goods, including a censer (incense burner), jewels and fruits. They are surrounded by Asian animals, a man riding a camel, and two Japanese samurai.

This colourful map of Asia has an elaborate cartouche decorated with Asian merchants and their goods, including a censer (incense burner), jewels and fruits. They are surrounded by Asian animals, a man riding a camel, and two Japanese samurai.

Four long rivers flow south through mainland Southeast Asia on this map: the ‘Menan’, ‘Manthabam’ and ‘Cosmin’ originate at a mythical lake (‘Chiamai Lac’) in southern China, while the ‘Mecon’ (Mekong) flows from the hills of Cochinchina (Vietnam).

The cartouche on this late 17th century map of Asia features a colourful illustration of Asian traders negotiating a deal. In the background, their workers carry packages and tend to a camel.

The cartouche on this late 17th century map of Asia features a colourful illustration of Asian traders negotiating a deal. In the background, their workers carry packages and tend to a camel.

A brightly-coloured hand-drawn map of the South China Sea. The compass is at the centre of a rhumbline network, a web of lines to aid navigation. Bathymetry (sea depth), islands, anchor points, shoals and reefs are also marked.