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A map of Java with mountains, jungles, animals and crops. Bathymetry (sea depth) is marked, including on an inset map of Batavia harbour. Illustrations include Batavia Castle, and a lion—representing Belgium—receiving tribute and enslaving locals.

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.

An early 18th century map of Asia by the French cartographer Guillaume Delisle (1675–1726). Regions are indicated with coloured borders, and the southern part of Borneo is labelled ‘Côte de Mahometans [Coast of the Muslims]’.

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.

Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula feature on this map of the Indian Ocean. Enganno Island, west of southern Sumatra, has a label that translates as ‘inhabited by very pernicious savages’. An inset map depicts the Madura Strait between Java and Madura.

An 18th century map of the Netherlands, with an inset map of Southeast Asia highlighting the trade of the Dutch and their colonies. Within the inset is a drawing of the port of Batavia (Jakarta) with sailing ships in the harbour and mountains behind.

This early 18th century map of Asia features a note stating that there are new features on this map not seen on previous maps, and that this is not a mistake. The cartouche features a column of Asian people riding on horses and camels.

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.

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.

The written notes on this map describe the discovery and conquest of the Philippines by the Spanish, and also emphasise the importance of trade in the region. Illustrations of trading ships on the sea reinforce the trade theme.

On this map, ‘Lac de Chiamay’, one of number of mythical lakes once thought to exist in southern China, feeds five rivers—labelled ‘Caor’, ‘Comotay’, ‘Cosinite’, ‘Ava’ and Lankang—which flow south through mainland Southeast Asia.