Catalog Archive
Auction 112, Lot 659

"Sumatra ein grosse Insel so von den alten Geographen Taprobana ist genennt worden", Munster, Sebastian

Subject: Sri Lanka

Period: 1550 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
13.3 x 10.2 inches
33.8 x 25.9 cm
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A nice impression of this great wood block map of the island of Taprobana, which was variously thought to be Ceylon or Sumatra. This map depicts Ceylon with the typical misconceptions of Ptolemy showing a small part of India incorrectly in the northeast corner of the map. A most interesting feature of the map is the large engraving of an elephant beneath a tree that was copied from Gastaldi. The elephant is shown with large padded feet and a scoop on the end of its trunk.

References:

Condition: B

Very nice impression on fine paper with very light stains or foxing. Small printer's crease at upper left.

Estimate: $500 - $600

Sold for: $300

Closed on 9/28/2005

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