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Dotted lines and colours divide maritime Southeast Asia into three regions on this map: the Philippine archipelago, Maluku Islands and Sunda Islands. The cartouche features cherub mermaids carrying a banner and shield.

Dotted lines and colours divide maritime Southeast Asia into three regions on this map: the Philippine archipelago, Maluku Islands and Sunda Islands. The cartouche features cherub mermaids, and a map of mainland Southeast Asia is on the reverse.

A map decorated with drawings of indigenous people, including from Southeast Asia: a Moluccan soldier with a helmet, sword and shield; a Javanese warrior with a spear and shield; a Sumatran woman holding a flower; and a Malaccan man with a sword.

This map shows some inaccuracies, especially in the shape of the Malay Peninsula and the islands meant to represent Sumatra (labelled ‘Camatra’), Java (‘Iava Mazor’) and Borneo (‘Iava Menor’). Latin text describes 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. Latin text on the reverse describes the region.

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. French text on the reverse describes crops and animals of the region.

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.

This mid-16th century map of Southeast Asia shows some inaccuracies, especially in the shape of the Malay Peninsula and the islands meant to represent Sumatra (labelled ‘Camatra’), Java (‘Iava Mazor’) and Borneo (‘Iava Menor’). Latin text on reverse.

This 1550 map by the German cartographer Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) was based on the work of the 2nd century geographer Ptolemy. There are many inaccuracies, especially in scale and the locations of mountain ranges, but the region is recognisable.

This 1540 map by the German cartographer Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) was based on the work of the 2nd century geographer Ptolemy. On the reverse, there is Latin text giving details of the area, including crops grown.