"Asiae Nova Descriptio", Ortelius, Abraham

Ortelius' great map of Asia based on his wall map of 1567, which was in turn based on the work of Gastaldi and various other sources. This map was the standard map of Asia for more than forty years. The cordiform projection shows Asia extended too far to the east, an error propagated with Ptolemy. Japan is in a 'kite' form taken from Jesuit sources. Luzon is absent from the Philippines and the mythical lake Cayamay lacus is located in southern China. There are a great number of islands in the East Indies, but not well placed, due to the secrecy of voyages to the region. Large strapwork title cartouche. This is the second, re-engraved plate that was published from 1575 onwards. Latin text on verso.

References: Van den Broecke #7; Walter #11-C; Yeo #5.

Condition: B

Handsome old color with a panel of offsetting at right and a few small spots of foxing. Centerfold separation at bottom, just to neatline, small worm track in blank margin.