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A map by the influential London cartographer, Herman Moll (1654?—1732), showing Southeast Asia in the context of the wider Asian region. Interestingly, the Strait of Malacca is labelled as the ‘Str. of Sincapora’ (Straits of Singapore).

The arrows on this map show the direction of the seasonal monsoons: each arrow has a label, indicating the month. The northeast coast of Borneo is labelled ‘A Desart [desert/deserted?] Coast’, while the south is labelled ‘Pepper Country’.

This map is dedicated to William Cowper, whose coat of arms sits atop the cartouche. It features two horses holding a crest with three red martlets (mythical birds used in heraldry). The colourful cartouche also features Asian traders.

This early 18th century map of Asia features a drawing of a woman burning offerings on an altar, while two children carry cornucopias, and a camel looks on. The Roman god Mercury descends from the sky in the background wearing his winged helmet.

This early 18th century map of Asia features a drawing of a woman burning offerings on an altar, while two children carry cornucopias, and a camel looks on. The Roman god Mercury descends from the sky in the background wearing his winged helmet.

This early 18th century map of Asia features a drawing of a woman burning offerings on an altar, while two children carry cornucopias, and a camel looks on. The Roman god Mercury descends from the sky in the background wearing his winged helmet.

This early 18th century map of Asia features a drawing of a woman burning offerings on an altar, while two children carry cornucopias, and a camel looks on. The Roman god Mercury descends from the sky in the background wearing his winged helmet.

This early 18th century map of Asia features a drawing of a woman burning offerings on an altar, while two children carry cornucopias, and a camel looks on. The Roman god Mercury descends from the sky in the background wearing his winged helmet.

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’.

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

On this late 17th century map of Asia by the French cartographer Nicolas Sanson, mainland Southeast Asia is labelled ‘PresquIsle de la le Gange [Peninsula of the Ganges]’.