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Rivers and major settlements are the main feature of this colourful early map of Asia. Italian text gives further details about the region.

An early map of the island of Borneo, depicting the natural landscape of mountains, forests, rivers and shoals, and also evidence of human habitation with houses representing settlements, and a port and shipping route along the northern coast.

An early map of the island of Borneo, depicting the natural landscape of mountains, forests, rivers and shoals, and also evidence of human habitation with houses representing settlements, and a port and shipping route along the northern coast.

An early map of the island of Borneo, depicting the natural landscape of mountains, forests, rivers and shoals, and also evidence of human habitation with houses representing settlements, and a port and shipping route along the northern coast.

On the right of this map, Latin text held within an elaborate border notes that five of the Maluku Islands are located nearby—Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Makian and Bacan—which trade spices including clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to the world.

Maps can sometimes record a single event: this map depicts an October 1603 battle between the Dutch and Portuguese, as they fought for control of the trade routes through the Singapore Straits. The text panel recounts the story of the battle.

Two pages from ‘Rerum et urbis Amstelodamensium historia’ by Johannes Pontanus, featuring a drawing of the attack on Madura by the ships of the Dutch merchant seaman Cornelis de Houtman, in revenge for an unrelated pirate attack.

Two drawings and text from ‘Rerum et urbis Amstelodamensium historia’ by Johannes Pontanus: the port and town of Gamme Lamme on the island of Ternate, with local and European vessels; and a naval battle between Dutch and Portuguese ships.

This early 17th century map of the island of Bali shows palaces, settlements and possibly some temples. Ships can be seen at anchor around the coast. The map is from a Latin language book which includes text describing Bali.

French text on the back of this map of mainland Southeast Asia describes the kingdom of Pegu (Myanmar), its royal palace, ports and trade with Sumatra and Malacca (rice, butter, oil, salt, onions, silver, porcelain, quicksilver, copper, pewter etc.).

Unusually, north is located to the right of this early 17th century map of the Maluku Islands, rather than the top. The scale is shown on a stone monument. French text on the reverse describes Java.

On the right of this map, Latin text held within an elaborate border notes that five of the Maluku Islands are located nearby—Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Makian and Bacan—which trade spices including clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to the world.