In 1630 Henricus Hondius and Jan Jansson undertook a major revision of the Mercator Atlas in response to fierce competition with the Blaeu family. This map is based on the 1623 map of Asia by Henricus' brother (Jodocus), but without the decorative panels. The map extends from the Arabian Peninsula through the East Indies. There is a wide expanse of ocean between the east coast of Asia and America, which is conveniently hidden by a dedication cartouche. Korea is shown as a long peninsula, and Japan is based on the Ortelius/Teixeira model. This beautiful map became the standard map of Asia throughout the 17th century. Two hunters flank the title cartouche and the map is embellished with a pair of lions, an elephant, European ships, a Chinese sampan, and a sea monster. French text on verso, published from 1652-58.

References: Yeo #33; Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #8000:1D.4.

Condition: A

A crisp impression with archival repairs to centerfold separations at top and bottom that are mostly confined to the blank margins, as well as to a tiny tear adjacent to the centerfold at the top of the image.