A very rare and beautiful map of the Far East focusing on the region from India to China. It includes the Malay Peninsula with a large Singapore (Cingatola), the Philippines and the Moluccas. It is based on Gastaldi's map of Asia (1559) and from Jesuit sources in China. The Philippine Islands have a recognizable configuration, but Borneo is far too small. The mythical Cayamay Lago is depicted with five rivers flowing south, and China is depicted with a simplistic diagonal coastline. Decorated with a strapwork title cartouche and compass rose. Latin text on verso. The map was engraved by Lucas & Jan van Doeticum in circa 1566 and first published in 1578 in De Jode's Speculum Orbis Terrarum. The only other edition (Speculum Orbis Terrae) was published in 1593 by his son Cornelis. In 1600 the plates were sold to Vrients, who had also acquired the Ortelius plates, merely to stop their re-issue. As a result this map is very rare.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. III) #8400:32.

Condition: A

Superb impression and color with light, marginal soiling and remnants of hinge tape on verso. The map has been professionally backed in thin, archival tissue to repair a few short razor cuts at top right and bottom right that are only visible when held to light.