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This map was intended for navigation purposes, with bathymetry (sea depth), reefs, shoals and anchor points marked. One island is labelled ‘like a sugar loaf’, another ‘like a turtel [turtle]’. Oedong Sallang is the island of Phuket, Thailand.

An early 18th century navigation map, with a rhumbline network and a scale in English, French, Spanish and Dutch measurements. The cartouche includes a drawing of Asian people as primitive natives, as they were often seen in the West at the time.

This early 18th century maritime map charts the waters of the Straits of Sunda, between the islands of Java and Sumatra. The web of lines is a rhumbline network, while the numbers indicate sea depth (bathymetry), both used to aid navigation.

This early 18th century maritime map charts the waters between the islands of Java, Madura and Bally (Bali). The web of lines is a rhumbline network, while the numbers indicate sea depth (bathymetry), both used to aid navigation.

Hand-drawn portolan (nautical) chart, featuring a rhumbline network (the web of interconnected lines), bathymetry (sea depth), shoals and reefs, names of coastal settlements, and an elevation (side view) of a mountain at the north tip of Borneo.

Hand-drawn portolan (nautical) chart, featuring a rhumbline network (the web of interconnected lines), bathymetry (sea depth), shoals and reefs, and names of coastal settlements, all to aid navigation. With a colourful compass rose.

A brightly-coloured hand-drawn map of the Gulf of Siam, made for a ship’s captain. The elaborate compass roses are the centre of a rhumbline network, a web of lines to aid navigation. Bathymetry (sea depth), islands, shoals and reefs are also marked.

Colourful hand-drawn portolan (nautical) navigation chart, featuring a rhumbline network (the web of interconnected lines), islands, shoals and reefs. With an elaborately decorated cartouche, scale and compass roses. Vellum on folding wood boards.

Colourful hand-drawn portolan (nautical) navigation chart, featuring a rhumbline network (the web of interconnected lines), islands, shoals and reefs. With elaborately decorated scales and compass roses. Mounted on folding wood boards.

Unusually, north is located to the left of this map of East Asia, rather than the top. The text notes that shallows and reefs are marked, and that the map is based on the explorations of Portuguese ships. Illustrations include sea monsters and ships.