Antique Maps, Charts, Atlases and Globes for Sale at Auction

Ortelius' important map of Southeast Asia shows how sketchy the available information was concerning the region. The East Indies are presented as a randomly scattered archipelago with Java and Borneo particularly misshapen. Taiwan is mapped for the first time as the I. Fermosa in the 'tail' of kite-shaped Japan's Lequaio islands. The large, fictitious Cayamai lacus in the heart of China is the source of a network of rivers in Southeast Asia. Beach pars, a presumed promontory of the great southern continent based on Marco Polo's account, protrudes into the bottom of the map. In the upper right corner, America makes an appearance with the three costal cities of Quivira, Cicuie, and Tiguex. Near the coast lies a ship being menaced by a pair of sea monsters, while twin mermaids preen before each other. Latin text on verso, p. 108.

Fine impression and old color. Lightly toned on verso with a few tiny holes in the top margin, well away from the map.


Ref: Van den Broecke #166, Suarez, pp 164-69.