Catalog Archive
Auction 94, Lot 367

"Sumatra ein grosse Insel so von den alten Geographen Taprobana ist genennt worden", Munster, Sebastian

Subject: Sri Lanka

Period: 1570 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
13.3 x 9.8 inches
33.8 x 24.9 cm
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A nice impression of this great map of island of Taprobana, which was variously thought to be Ceylon or Sumatra. This map depicts Ceylon with the typical misconceptions of Ptolemy showing a small part of India incorrectly in the northeast corner of the map. The most interesting feature of the map is the large engraving of an elephant beneath a tree that was copied from Gastaldi. The elephant is shown with large padded feet and a scoop on the end of its trunk.

References:

Condition: B

Minor toning along fold with a couple of tiny worm holes in bottom margin.

Estimate: $600 - $700

Sold for: $450

Closed on 3/7/2001

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