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An early 17th century map by the Flemish/Dutch cartographer Jodocus Hondius showing Asia and part of Europe and Africa. The Latin text on New Guinea translates as ‘Whether it is an island or the southern part of the continent is not yet certain’.

This early 17th century map features a number of mythical lakes that were once thought to exist in southern China—including ‘Cayamay Lacus’—and which feed several rivers that flow south through mainland Southeast Asia.

Although quite detailed for an early 17th century map of Asia, there are some inaccuracies in the representation of the islands of Southeast Asia, particularly Java (labelled 'Iaua maior'), Borneo (Burne), Sulawesi (Celebes) and the Maluku Islands.

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.

On the right of this map, Latin text held within an elaborate border notes that five of the Maluku Islands are located nearby—Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Makian and Bacan—which trade spices including clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to the world.

This early 17th century map features a drawing of contact between Portuguese/Spanish colonialists and a local ruler. Set on the island of Ternate—one of the Moluccas or ‘Spice Islands’—it reminds us of the importance of the spice trade at this time.

This early 17th century map by Jodocus Hondius features a number of mythical lakes that were once thought to exist in southern China—including ‘Cayamay Lacus’—and which feed several rivers that flow south through mainland Southeast Asia.

This map shows the route of the first Dutch expedition to Southeast Asia in 1595-7. Led by Cornelis de Houtman, it was an attempt to enter the spice trade. The route crosses east over the Indian Ocean, circles the island of Java, and returns west.

Adapted by Theodore de Bry from an original by Willem Lodewycksz, this map has some inaccuracies e.g. the Malay Peninsula (‘Chersonese’) is completely bisected by the Muar River, leaving the southern tip of the peninsula as a separate island.

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. Latin text on the reverse describes the region.

A colourful early 17th century map of Sumatra, Java and the Malay Peninsula, with North located to the left, and major settlements marked. Latin text on the reverse describes the peoples, religions, languages, agriculture, mining etc. of the region.

An early European map of Asia by the Flemish cartographer Hendrik Hondius (1573–c. 1650).