This exquisite, early map of Sri Lanka is shown with an unusual five-sided shape. North is oriented to the left by an elaborate compass rose. The map was beautifully engraved by Petrus Plancius with pictorial detail of mountains, roads, forests, villages, kingdoms, mines, stupas and spice plantations. It is embellished with three strapwork cartouches and further adorned with a finely rendered sailing ship and animals roaming the interior (including a large elephant with his manhout). Latin text on verso.

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Condition: A

Pleasantly toned with superb original color in the unique color palette of the early Mercator/Hondius editions. There are some minor repairs in the blank margins.