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An early 18th century map of Asia by the English cartographer John Senex, featuring labels noting details of the inhabitants of some areas e.g. on Borneo: ‘The Middle of this Isle is Inhabited by a People call’d Beaujous Idolaters’.

Map of Asia from the second volume of ‘Navigantium atque itinerantium bibliotheca: or, A compleat collection of voyages and travels: consisting of above four hundred of the most authentick writers’ published by John Harris in 1705.

Interestingly, this map from the year 1700 shows the world as the Greeks and Romans knew it. Therefore, Southeast Asia is labelled as 'PARTS UNKNOWN TO THE ANCIENTS' and lacks place names e.g. Sumatra is named ‘Taprobana I. according to some’.

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.

This early 18th century map shows Southeast Asia alongside India and part of China, with the names of cities, towns, ports, rivers and mountains marked. A handwritten note at the top left comments on the map's accuracy.

Interestingly, this map from the year 1700 shows the world as the Greeks and Romans knew it. Therefore, Southeast Asia is labelled as 'PARTS UNKNOWN TO THE ANCIENTS' and lacks place names e.g. Sumatra is named ‘Taprobana I. according to some’.

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.

Colourful hand-drawn portolan (nautical) navigation chart, featuring a rhumbline network (the web of interconnected lines), islands, shoals and reefs. With elaborately decorated scales and compass roses. Mounted on folding wood boards.

This late 17th century map of Asia is by William Berry, based on an earlier map by the French cartographer Nicolas Sanson. Dedicated to King Charles II, it features the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom in its elaborate cartouche.

This late 17th century map of Asia is by William Berry, based on an earlier map by the French cartographer Nicolas Sanson. Dedicated to King Charles II, it features the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom in its elaborate cartouche.

From Robert Morden’s ‘Geography Rectified’, a description with maps of the known world in the late 17th century. Text describes the peoples of the uplands of the Sunda Islands as ‘Pagans’, while the coastal peoples are ‘Mahumetans [Muslims]’.

This colourful 17th century map highlights the mountain ranges and rivers of Southeast Asia and India. The cartouche features an illustration of Asian men wearing brightly-coloured clothing and carrying bows and arrows.