Search

A simple hand-coloured map of Asia, with a cartouche of shell, leaves and plants. It shows that in the late 18th century, the details of New Guinea and Australia (‘Nieuw Holland’) were uncertain.

A simple hand-coloured map of Asia, with a cartouche of shell, leaves and plants. It shows that in the late 18th century, the details of New Guinea and Australia (‘Nieuw Holland’) were uncertain.

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.

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.

On this mid-18th century map of the Sunda Islands, a label on the island of Borneo states ‘Beajous Afgoden dienars bewonende het middelste gedeelte vant Eilland [Beajous idolaters inhabit the middle part of the Island]’.

On this mid-18th century map of the Sunda Islands, a label on the island of Borneo states ‘Beajous Afgoden dienars bewonende het middelste gedeelte vant Eilland [Beajous idolaters inhabit the middle part of the Island]’.

On this mid-18th century map of the Sunda Islands, a label on the island of Borneo states ‘Beajous Afgoden dienars bewonende het middelste gedeelte vant Eilland [Beajous idolaters inhabit the middle part of the Island]’.

On this mid-18th century map of the Sunda Islands, a label on the island of Borneo states ‘Beajous Afgoden dienars bewonende het middelste gedeelte vant Eilland [Beajous idolaters inhabit the middle part of the Island]’.

The cartouche on this late 17th century map of Asia features an illustration of Asian traders negotiating a deal. In the background, their workers carry packages and tend to a camel.

The cartouche on this late 17th century map of Asia features an illustration of Asian traders negotiating a deal. In the background, their workers carry packages and tend to a camel.

The illustration on this map highlights the wealth of the Asian trade routes, with merchants wearing elaborate robes presenting valuable treasures to a royal figure. A monkey, tortoise and camel emphasise the ‘exoticism’ of Asia.

The illustration on this map highlights the wealth of the Asian trade routes, with merchants wearing elaborate robes presenting valuable treasures to a royal figure. A monkey, tortoise and camel emphasise the ‘exoticism’ of Asia.