"Asiae Nova Descriptio", Ortelius, Abraham

Ortelius' great map of Asia was 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. The title is emblazoned onto a large strapwork cartouche. This is the second, re-engraved plate that was published from 1575 onwards. Latin text on verso.

References: Yeo #5; Van den Broecke #7.

Condition: B

Nice original color with some toning along the centerfold, which has been reinforced on verso with Japanese tissue, which also repairs a couple small cracks in the paper.