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An early 17th century map by the Flemish/Dutch cartographer Jodocus Hondius showing Asia and part of Europe and Africa. The Latin text on New Guinea translates as ‘Whether it is an island or the southern part of the continent is not yet certain’.

An early 17th century map by the Flemish/Dutch cartographer Jodocus Hondius showing Asia and part of Europe and Africa. The Latin text on New Guinea translates as ‘Whether it is an island or the southern part of the continent is not yet certain’.

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.

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.

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.

This early 17th century map by Jodocus Hondius 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.

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.

Unusually, north is located to the left of this map of East Asia, rather than the top. The text notes that shallows and reefs are marked, and that the map is based on the explorations of Portuguese ships. Illustrations include sea monsters and ships.

A white banner at the right features text that notes that the ‘Insule Molucce’ (Maluku Islands) are famous for their abundance of spices, which are sold across the world. There are also Illustrations of mermaids and sea monsters wrecking a ship.