Search

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.

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.

Early map of Asia featuring a number of mythical lakes that were once thought to exist in southern China, and which feed several rivers that flow south through mainland Southeast Asia. Text describes the world divided into four or five regions.

Early map of Asia featuring a number of mythical lakes that were once thought to exist in southern China, and which feed several rivers that flow south through mainland Southeast Asia. Text describes the world divided into four or five regions.

Latin text on the reverse of this map describes Malacca, including crops and products (rice, pepper, spices, pearls), precious metals (gold, silver and tin), and animals (sheep, elephant), showing the city’s importance to European trade at the time.

The island of Java was initially labelled on this map as ‘Iaua Minor’ (Java Minor), but this was altered to ‘Iaua Maior’ (Java Major), reflecting the common confusion over the names at the time. Sumatra and Borneo were both similarly mis-labelled.

Unusually, north is located to the left of this map of East Asia, rather than the top. The text notes that shallows and reefs are marked, and that the map is based on the explorations of Portuguese ships. Illustrations include sea monsters and ships.

A white banner at the right features text that notes that the ‘Insule Molucce’ (Maluku Islands) are famous for their abundance of spices, which are sold across the world. There are also Illustrations of mermaids and sea monsters wrecking a ship.

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.

This late 16th century map features a 'wind-head', a decorative feature consisting of a drawing of the head of a human blowing to indicate wind.