Derived from the elder Mercator’s world map of 1569, this map of Asia was engraved by his grandson. The coasts of Northeast Asia and Northwest North America are separated by Gastaldi's fabled Strait of Anian. South of this strait a beautifully engraved galleon gives speculation to the possibility of a northern route to Asia. Sumatra has a curiously archaic outline, while the relationship between New Guinea and Terra Australis is left to the viewer's imagination. The place names, Beach, Regio, Lucach and Maletur are all taken from Marco Polo's account, but erroneously ascribed to locations in the vicinity of present-day Australia. Latin text on verso.

References: Yeo #13; Parry #3.13, Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #8000:1A.

Condition: B

A fine impression with attractive color. There are professional repairs to a long centerfold separation at bottom, a short tear near the center of the map, and a chip along the centerfold at bottom that enters 1/2" into image, with a small amount of image expertly replaced in facsimile.