Catalog Archive
Auction 130, Lot 693

"Asiae Nova Descriptio", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Asia

Period: 1575 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19 x 14.5 inches
48.3 x 36.8 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

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

Condition: B+

Lovely old color and a good impression. A long, and now nearly invisible tear, extending into the map at center left has been expertly repaired.

Estimate: $2,000 - $2,500

Sold for: $1,500

Closed on 12/2/2009

Archived