Catalog Archive
Auction 125, Lot 786

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

Subject: Sri Lanka

Period: 1570 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
13.3 x 10.2 inches
33.8 x 25.9 cm
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This is great woodblock map of the island of Taprobana, which was variously thought to be Ceylon (Sri Lanka) 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+

Centerfold reinforced on verso, repairing a small area in the lower border. Light surface soil in margins.

Estimate: $400 - $475

Sold for: $300

Closed on 9/24/2008

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