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Based on the work of 2nd century geographer Ptolemy, Bernardo Silvani’s woodcut map is innovative in its use of two colours: a black background with important text added in red. The Malay Peninsula is labelled ‘Aurea Chersonesus [Golden Chersonese]’.

Early map by Lorenz Fries, based on the work of 2nd century geographer Ptolemy. The Malay Peninsula—labelled ‘Aurea Chersone [Golden Chersonese]’—is recognisable. A drawing on the reverse features cannibals with dog’s heads chopping up human bodies.

Early map by Sebastian Münster, based on the work of 2nd century geographer Ptolemy. The Malay Peninsula—labelled ‘Aurea Chersonesus [Golden Chersonese]’—is recognisable. An illustration shows the local animals: a tiger, cockerels and a white parrot.

South is orientated towards the top of this map, with maritime Southeast Asia in the upper half and the mainland below. Top right is Java (‘Iava Magiore [Java Major]’); Borneo is labelled ‘Iava Menore [Java Minor]’. Ships and sea monsters are at sea.

This 17th century map of Asia features a colourful painting of an Asian man wearing bright red robes and a feathered headdress. A parrot perches on his chair, while a large cat-like creature crouches menacingly by his side.

Originally published in Gerardus Mercator's ‘Atlas Sive Cosmographicae Meditationes de Fabrica Mundi et Fabricati Figura’ (1595), the title of which was the first use of the word ‘atlas’ to refer to a collection of maps. This is a 1630 reprint.

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.

This 17th century map by the French cartographer Nicolas Sanson shows Southeast Asia in the context of the rest of the Asian continent, and even includes parts of Africa and Europe. The decorative cartouche features winged cherubim.

A detailed late 17th century map of Asia, showing ancient kingdoms and the place names of important settlements. The cartouche features a drawing of Asian traders selling their goods, while a camel, monkey and two birds look on.

This colourful map of Asia is illustrated with drawings of Asian people wearing traditional clothing, including a man and woman from Java in Southeast Asia, and drawings of important ports such as Bantan (Banten) situated at the western end of Java.

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.