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. This is the first plate, embellished with three strapwork cartouches, a finely rendered sailing ship, a compass rose, and animals roaming the interior (including a large elephant with his manhout). Blank on verso.

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

Condition: A

A sharp impression with full contemporary color on a sheet with a bunch of grapes watermark. There is one small worm hole in the image and the bottom margin has been extended.