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On this map, ‘Lago di Chiamay’, one of number of mythical lakes once thought to exist in southern China, feeds five rivers—labelled ‘Menam’, ‘Pegu’ ‘Maraban’, ‘Cosmin’ and ‘Caor’—which flow south through mainland Southeast Asia.

This map shows the empires, kingdoms and states of Southeast Asia. Its decorative cartouche features drawings of two women—one with a cornucopia and one with a censer (incense burner)—elephant heads, and a French coat of arms. Nine scales are shown.

This map shows the empires, kingdoms and states of Southeast Asia. Its decorative cartouche features drawings of two women—one with a cornucopia and one with a censer (incense burner)—elephant heads, and a French coat of arms. Nine scales are shown.

Dotted lines and colours divide maritime Southeast Asia into three regions on this map: the Philippine archipelago, Maluku Islands and Sunda Islands. The cartouche features cherub mermaids carrying a banner and shield.

On this late 17th century map of Asia by the French cartographer Nicolas Sanson, mainland Southeast Asia is labelled ‘PresquIsle de la le Gange [Peninsula of the Ganges]’.

On this late 17th century map of Asia by the French cartographer Nicolas Sanson, mainland Southeast Asia is labelled ‘PresquIsle de la le Gange [Peninsula of the Ganges]’.

Dotted lines on this late 17th century map demarcate regions and kingdoms (which also have a crown symbol). The cartouche is shaped like a giant shell supported by mermen, with cherubs holding up shells and pearls on top.

A colourful 17th century map of Asia, with French text on the reverse describing the people and geography of the region.

This late 17th century map of the western Sunda Islands—Sumatra, Java and Borneo—is decorated with a colourful cartouche probably featuring the Greek god Poseidon and his wife Amphitrite. Cherubs play trumpets and ride on sea monsters.

French text on the reverse of this map of the eastern Sunda Islands describes the city of Macassar (modern Makassar) on Celebes (Sulawesi, Indonesia). Details include the city’s port, trade and crops, as well as its people and religion.

This late 17th century map of Asia is by William Berry, based on an earlier map by the French cartographer Nicolas Sanson. Dedicated to King Charles II, it features the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom in its elaborate cartouche.

This late 17th century map of Asia is by William Berry, based on an earlier map by the French cartographer Nicolas Sanson. Dedicated to King Charles II, it features the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom in its elaborate cartouche.