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). French text on verso, published between 1628-33.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #8380:1A.1.

Condition: A

Original color on watermarked paper with remnants of paper tape on verso along edges of sheet.