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This early map of Sumatra (labelled ‘Taprobana’) features many illustrations. In the sea, there are ships, fish and sea monsters, while on land, plantations, agricultural workers, a shepherd and wooden buildings highlight the economy of the island.

This early map of Sumatra (labelled ‘Taprobana’) features many illustrations. In the sea, there are ships, fish and sea monsters, while on land, plantations, agricultural workers, a shepherd and wooden buildings highlight the economy of the island.

This early map of Sumatra (labelled ‘Taprobana’) features many illustrations. In the sea, there are ships, fish and sea monsters, while on land, plantations, agricultural workers, a shepherd and wooden buildings highlight the economy of the island.

This early map of Sumatra (labelled ‘Taprobana’) features many illustrations. In the sea, there are ships, fish and sea monsters, while on land, plantations, agricultural workers, a shepherd and wooden buildings highlight the economy of the island.

This early map of Sumatra—referred to in the accompanying French text as ‘Isle de la Taprobane’—is covered with illustrations of people working on the land, and with elephants and camels. Villages, mountains, rivers and wild animals are also shown.

Early 17th century map of Asia, with annotations in Latin naming the major countries, islands and cities. Maritime Southeast Asia is shown as an archipelago of many small islands. French text on the reverse describes crops and animals of the region.

German text on the reverse of this map describes the populations, crops, trade etc. of Sumatra, Borneo, Philippines, and Banda Islands. There are drawings of sailing ships, and the map is dedicated to the Dutch merchant Christophoro Thisio.

Map of Asia illustrated with four large allegorical drawings representing the Dutch East India Company, by the Dutch Baroque artist Romeyn de Hooghe. Includes scenes of Asian merchants, the capturing of crocodiles and elephants, and mythology.

Map of the Banda Islands from Vicenzo Coronelli's ‘Corso Geografico Universale’, including a volcano on Gunappi (Banda Api), and a military fort on Nera (Banda Neira). Italian text describes the crops, trade, animals and people of the Maluku Islands.

An early 18th century map of the Indian Ocean, illustrated with a drawing of Asian merchants riding an elephant and using a camel to transport their goods. Other men use bows and arrows to hunt ostriches. Ships are also shown sailing on the ocean.

A map of Java with mountains, jungles, animals and crops. Bathymetry (sea depth) is marked, including on an inset map of Batavia harbour. Illustrations include Batavia Castle, and a lion—representing Belgium—receiving tribute and enslaving locals.

The cartouche on this early 18th century navigation map features the title in Latin and Dutch, as well as a wealth of detailed drawings illustrating the region’s trade: Asian merchants, their goods and animals, and two female European customers.