Catalog Archive
Auction 114, Lot 624

"Asiae XI Tab", Ptolemy/Mercator

Subject: South East Asia

Period: 1618 (published)

Publication: Theatrum Geographiae Veteris…

Color: Hand Color

Size:
13 x 13.5 inches
33 x 34.3 cm
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Fine Ptolemaic map of the region of Thailand and Malaysia. The map shows an oddly shaped peninsula to the east of the Ganges and the Sinus Magnus (South China Sea), with a landmass to the east of that. This depiction is the legacy of Ptolemy's idea of a landlocked Indian Ocean. Although he is most renowned today for the projection he popularized and for first using the term Atlas for a collection of maps, Mercator devoted much of his life to his Ptolemaic maps. The maps were beautifully engraved as nearly as possible to their original form and embellished with fine cartouches and cultural scenes. This map includes a caravan, camels, ships and boats.

References: Mickwitz & Miekkavaara (Nordenskiold) #232-27.

Condition: B

Fine impression and original color with some offsetting stains in map with damp stains in blank margins.

Estimate: $300 - $350

Sold for: $220

Closed on 3/1/2006

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