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On this hand-drawn and coloured map of Asia, the colours differentiate the colonial territories of the European powers: for example, New Guinea is divided into Dutch, British and German areas, and Borneo is split between the British and Dutch.

Map of the Asian colonial possessions of the Netherlands (Dutch East Indies), with an inset of the heights of some of the region’s mountains. A note describes the average temperature, barometer reading and magnetic declination in Batavia at the time.

Map of the Asian colonial possessions of the Netherlands (Dutch East Indies), with an inset of the heights of some of the region’s mountains. A note describes the average temperature, barometer reading and magnetic declination in Batavia at the time.

Map of the Asian colonial possessions of the Netherlands (Dutch East Indies), with an inset of the heights of some of the region’s mountains. A note describes the average temperature, barometer reading and magnetic declination in Batavia at the time.

Map of the Asian colonial possessions of the Netherlands (Dutch East Indies), with an inset of the heights of some of the region’s mountains. A note describes the average temperature, barometer reading and magnetic declination in Batavia at the time.

Map of the Asian colonial possessions of the Netherlands (Dutch East Indies), with an inset of the heights of some of the region’s mountains. A note describes the average temperature, barometer reading and magnetic declination in Batavia at the time.

Text on this mid-18th century map notes the dimensions of the islands of maritime Southeast Asia, in length, breadth and square miles (e.g. ‘Java 580 long, 105 broad, & 38,250 sq.’). It also states that the Dutch are the main traders in the region.

This elaborately illustrated map of Asia is decorated with images of angels and cherubs, various figures dressed in colourful robes, wild animals, a procession including elephants and camels, and a double hemisphere world map.

This mid-18th century map of Southeast Asia includes written notes on goods produced and traded, geographical features, and wild animals found in each part of the region. The cartouche features a drawing of Asia with people, fields and palm trees.

This mid-18th century map of Southeast Asia includes written notes on goods produced and traded, geographical features, and wild animals found in each part of the region.

This map's cartouche features an illustration of three men bowing before a ruler on a throne. There is also what was probably meant to be a lion, though the poor likeness suggests it was based on written descriptions rather than real life experience.

This map's cartouche features an illustration of three men bowing before a ruler on a throne. There is also what was probably meant to be a lion, though the poor likeness suggests it was based on written descriptions rather than real life experience.