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A map of the Java Sea between Java, Sumatra and Borneo. The web of lines is a rhumbline network, used to aid navigation. The cartouche and scale are decorated with paintings of Asian people and mythical creatures including cherubs.

The outline of the island of New Guinea is very vague on this early 17th century map of Southeast Asia. The cartouche is decorated with two figures of Asian warriors: one holds a spear, the other a sword. There are also drawings of mermaids.

Four long rivers flow south through mainland Southeast Asia on this map: the ‘Menan’, ‘Manthabam’ and ‘Cosmin’ originate at a mythical lake (‘Chiamai Lac’) in southern China, while the ‘Mecon’ (Mekong) flows from the hills of Cochinchina (Vietnam).

The cartouche on this map of Asia is decorated with a colourful painting illustrating the region’s commerce, with Asian merchants displaying an assortment of goods, including jewellery, porcelain vessels and figurines, textiles and exotic animals.

The cartouche on this map of Asia is decorated with a colourful depiction of a European man negotiating with an Asian merchant to buy an assortment of Asian goods, including jewellery, porcelain vessels and figurines, and textiles.

The cartouche on this map of Asia is decorated with a colourful painting illustrating the region’s commerce, with Asian merchants displaying an assortment of goods, including jewellery, porcelain vessels and figurines, textiles and exotic animals.

The cartouche on this map of Asia is decorated with a detailed depiction of a European man negotiating with an Asian merchant to buy an assortment of Asian goods, including jewellery, porcelain vessels and figurines, and textiles.

The cartouche on this map of Asia is decorated with a detailed depiction of a European man negotiating with an Asian merchant to buy an assortment of Asian goods, including jewellery, porcelain vessels and figurines, and textiles.

The seas on this early map of Asia are decorated with sailing ships and sea monsters. The cartouche features an illustration of two Asian men carrying bows and arrows.

The seas on this early map of Asia are decorated with sailing ships and sea monsters. The cartouche features an illustration of two Asian men carrying bows and arrows.

The cartouche on this mid-17th century map of Asia by the Dutch cartographer Frederik de Wit (c. 1629–1706) is decorated with drawings of Asian men dressed in traditional costume and carrying bows.

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.