This is one of the most famous 17th century maps of the continent of Asia. It is surrounded by a beautiful carte-a-figures border and is richly ornamented with animals, sea monsters, and sailing ships. The eastern coastline of Asia is severely truncated, Korea is shown as an island, and Japan is depicted on the Ortelius-Teixeira model. The Indian subcontinent is too narrow and the islands of Indonesia are very sketchy. A large island labeled Ceiram probably represents the western part of New Guinea. In the interior, the Caspian Sea is oriented on an east-west axis and there are several large erroneous lakes in China including the mythical Chiamay Lacus. The frieze across the top features vignettes of the cities of Candy, Calecut, Goa, Damascus, Jerusalem, Hormuz, Banten, Aden, and Macao. The inclusion of Banten reflects the emergence of the Dutch as a major commercial power in the East Indies. The side panels flanking the map depict costumed figures of the various Asian peoples. This is an early edition prior to a crack developing in the copperplate at bottom center. French text on verso, published between 1635-38.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #8000:2; Walter #25; Yeo #24.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with full contemporary color, light soiling, and a crease at top right, well away from the image. The edges of the sheet have been archivally reinforced with tissue on verso.