Catalog Archive
Auction 150, Lot 649

"Ins. Ceilan quae Incolis Tenarisin Dicitur", Mercator/Hondius

Subject: Sri Lanka

Period: 1628 (circa)

Publication: Gerardi Mercatoris et I. Hondii Atlas

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.5 x 13.5 inches
49.5 x 34.3 cm
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This exquisite, early map of Sri Lanka is shown with an unusual five-sided shape. North is oriented to the left by an elaborate compass rose. The map was beautifully engraved by Petrus Plancius with pictorial detail of mountains, roads, forests, villages, kingdoms, mines, stupas and spice plantations. It is embellished with three strapwork cartouches and further adorned with a finely rendered sailing ship and animals roaming the interior (including a large elephant with his manhout). French text on verso, published between 1628-33.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #8380:1A.1.

Condition: A

Original color on watermarked paper with remnants of paper tape on verso along edges of sheet.

Estimate: $600 - $750

Sold for: $400

Closed on 9/17/2014

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