Search

A map of a small island chain off the west coast of the island of Gilolo (modern Halmahera in the Maluku Islands of Indonesia). The military forts on the islands were used by the European colonial powers during conflicts over the area’s spice trade.

This colourful mid-18th century map of the Sunda Isles (‘Isles de la Sonde’) includes the Malay Peninsula in addition to Sumatra, Java and Borneo. Mountain ranges and jungles are shown pictorially, and the islands and coasts feature shoals and reefs.

Map of the Banda Islands—which was at this time the only source of nutmeg in the world—featuring mountains, plantations, settlements and a military fort. On the island of Gunnanapi (Banda Api) a volcano erupts (‘api’ means ‘fire’ in Indonesian).

The southern coast of Borneo is labelled ‘Cote des Mahometans [Coast of the Muslims]’. A note next to the Philippines states that they were discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520 and are comprised of about 11,000 islands.

The southern coast of Borneo is labelled ‘Cote des Mahometans [Coast of the Muslims]’. A note next to the Philippines states that they were discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520 and are comprised of about 11,000 islands.

Map of the Meinam (Chao Phraya) river from the city of Judia (Ayutthaya) to its mouth near Bangkok. Features temples, villages, a Bishop's Palace, a fort at Bangkok, and a ‘Champ des Eléphans [Elephant Field]’. The text is in French and Dutch.

Map of the Meinam (Chao Phraya) river from the city of Judia (Ayutthaya) to its mouth near Bangkok. Features temples, villages, a Bishop's Palace, a fort at Bangkok, and a ‘Champ des Eléphans [Elephant Field]’. The text is in French and Dutch.

This map features maritime routes: between Siam and Batavia; and five routes of the explorers Juan Gaetan and Olivier du Nord (dated 1542) east of the Philippines. The cartouche has a colourful illustration of Asian people in traditional costume.

The mountains and forests of early 18th century Java are beautifully illustrated here by the Dutch cartographer Henry Abraham Chatelain (1648-1743). Details include cities, fields of crops, animals and people. An inset map shows the port of Batavia.

The mountains and forests of early 18th century Java are beautifully illustrated here by the Dutch cartographer Henry Abraham Chatelain (1648-1743). Details include cities, fields of crops, animals and people. An inset map shows the port of Batavia.

This two-sheet map of Asia features a decorative cartouche with drawings of two women holding censers (incense burners), two cherubs, and a French coat of arms. On the map, mountains and forests are represented pictorially.

This map shows the empires, kingdoms and states of Southeast Asia. Its decorative cartouche features drawings of two women—one with a cornucopia and one with a censer (incense burner)—elephant heads, and a French coat of arms. Nine scales are shown.