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This 17th century map by the French cartographer Nicolas Sanson shows Southeast Asia in the context of the rest of the Asian continent, and even includes parts of Africa and Europe. The decorative cartouche features winged cherubim.

Although mainly of China and Japan, this map includes some of the northern parts of Southeast Asia. The map is dedicated to Sir Thomas Peyton, an English Member of Parliament who was imprisoned for supporting the king during the English Civil War.

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.

Dotted lines on this late 17th century map demarcate regions and kingdoms (which also have a crown symbol). The cartouche is shaped like a giant shell supported by mermen, with cherubs holding up shells and pearls on top.

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.

On this map, ‘Lago di Chiamay’, one of number of mythical lakes once thought to exist in southern China, feeds five rivers—labelled ‘Menam’, ‘Pegu’ ‘Maraban’, ‘Cosmin’ and ‘Caor’—which flow south through mainland Southeast Asia.

Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula feature on this map of the Indian Ocean. Enganno Island, west of southern Sumatra, has a label that translates as ‘inhabited by very pernicious savages’. An inset map depicts the Madura Strait between Java and Madura.

The mountains and forests of early 18th century Java are beautifully illustrated here by the Dutch cartographer Henry Abraham Chatelain (1648-1743). Details include cities, fields of crops, animals and people. An inset map shows the port of Batavia.

The mountains and forests of early 18th century Java are beautifully illustrated here by the Dutch cartographer Henry Abraham Chatelain (1648-1743). Details include cities, fields of crops, animals and people. An inset map shows the port of Batavia.

The mountains and forests of early 18th century Java are beautifully illustrated here by the Dutch cartographer Henry Abraham Chatelain (1648-1743). Details include cities, fields of crops, animals and people. An inset map shows the port of Batavia.

The mountains and forests of early 18th century Java are beautifully illustrated here by the Dutch cartographer Henry Abraham Chatelain (1648-1743). Details include cities, fields of crops, animals and people. An inset map shows the port of Batavia.

On this beautifully illustrated and detailed map of Java, mountains, trees, fields of crops and settlements are shown pictorially. The coasts are marked with shoals, reefs, bathymetry (sea depth, in figures) and anchor points.