Catalog Archive
Auction 143, Lot 737

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

Subject: Sri Lanka

Period: 1639 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.6 x 13.5 inches
49.8 x 34.3 cm
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Early map of Sri Lanka shown with an unusual five sided shape. North is oriented to the left by an especially elaborate compass rose. The map is exquisitely engraved with pictorial detail of mountains, roads, forests, villages, kingdoms, mines, stupas and spice plantations. It is embellished with three baroque cartouches. Above the title perch a trio of cats, with rabbits and lizards below. A number of finely wrought ships sail the seas and animals roam the interior (including a large elephant with his mahout). This is similar to the earlier and more common Mercator edition, but without the strapwork cartouches, and with the elephant facing right rather than left. Latin text on verso.

References:

Condition: A

Attractive color with wide margins and a crease adjacent to centerfold.

Estimate: $600 - $700

Sold for: $450

Closed on 2/13/2013

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