Catalog Archive
Auction 133, Lot 638

"Malacca", Langenes, Barent

Subject: Malaysia

Period: 1599 (circa)

Publication: Caert-thresoor

Color: Hand Color

Size:
4.8 x 3.3 inches
12.2 x 8.4 cm
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Derived from Linschoten's map of 1595, this miniature map presents a very early cartographic picture of the Malaysian peninsula. The map is oriented with east at top and includes a small section of the Sumatran coastline. The false trans-peninsular strait seen on many early maps at the tip of the peninsula is shown here as the Muar River that originates in the mountains and then separates into two branches; one flowing into the South China Sea and the other into the Strait of Malacca. Sincapura is named at the tip of the peninsula, but not in the correct location for the island of present-day Singapore. Pedra Branca (White Rock), off Singapore, is vastly oversized, probably due to is importance to Chinese mariners as a major navigational hazard. Another island well known to Chinese seafarers, Pulo Timono (Tioman Island), is located off the southeastern coast. The only place names are along the coastlines where the Portuguese had established trading posts. This is the second state with degrees of latitude and the equator added. Latin text on verso.

References: King (2nd ed.) pp. 80-82; Suarez Fig. 106.

Condition: A

There is a tiny worm hole in the map, else fine.

Estimate: $400 - $475

Unsold

Closed on 9/1/2010

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