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A plan of the important port of Batavia (Jakarta), with the fort, river, city streets and fields. Decorative illustrations include ships in the harbour, a view of the city and mountains, and the city’s coat of arms: a lion holding a sword and shield.

Dotted lines on this late 17th century map demarcate regions and kingdoms (which also have a crown symbol). The cartouche is shaped like a giant shell supported by mermen, with cherubs holding up shells and pearls on top.

Six drawings of bays, including the Bay of Tiku (‘Rade de Ticou’) on the west coast of Sumatra, showing Tiku between the mountains Pagaman and Priaman. Two other drawings are marked ‘Poulo Clauis’ and are possibly bays on the coast of Aceh, Sumatra.

This map of Asia is dedicated to Prince William, Duke of Gloucester, and features a drawing of his coat of arms. He had been in line to succeed to the English throne, but died at the age of 11 in 1700, the year before this map was produced.

Map of the Me-nam River (Chao Phraya River) with the city of Ayutthaya (labelled ‘Siri India’) in the centre. Its mouth at the Gulf of Thailand is to the left. Over 100 buildings, towns and other places are shown pictorially and listed in the legend.

Map of the Me-nam River (Chao Phraya River) with the city of Ayutthaya (labelled ‘Siri India’) in the centre. Its mouth at the Gulf of Thailand is to the left. Over 100 buildings, towns and other places are shown pictorially and listed in the legend.

Map of the Me-nam River (Chao Phraya River) with the city of Ayutthaya (labelled ‘Siri India’) in the centre. Its mouth at the Gulf of Thailand is to the left. Over 100 buildings, towns and other places are shown pictorially and listed in the legend.

Map of the Me-nam River (Chao Phraya River) with the city of Ayutthaya (labelled ‘Siri India’) in the centre. Its mouth at the Gulf of Thailand is to the left. Over 100 buildings, towns and other places are shown pictorially and listed in the legend.

Map of the Me-nam River (Chao Phraya River) with the city of Ayutthaya (labelled ‘Siri India’) in the centre. Its mouth at the Gulf of Thailand is to the left. Over 100 buildings, towns and other places are shown pictorially and listed in the legend.

Map of the Me-nam River (Chao Phraya River) with the city of Ayutthaya (labelled ‘Siri India’) in the centre. Its mouth at the Gulf of Thailand is to the left. Over 100 buildings, towns and other places are shown pictorially and listed in the legend.

The legend and written notes on this plan of Batavia (Jakarta) provide much detailed information about the important port city in the early 18th century. It is also beautifully decorated with paintings of the city, local people, animals and ships.

A mid-18th century plan of Batavia (Jakarta), the main port of the Dutch East India Company's trading network in Southeast Asia. Ships can be seen transporting goods along ‘The Great River’ to the sea, overseen by Batavia Castle at the river’s mouth.