Gastaldi's Scarce Map of Southern Asia

"Seconda Tavola", Gastaldi/Ramusio

This is an important and scarce map of southern Asia oriented with south at the top. It extends from the Persian Gulf and Baharen to the Gulf of Bengal, with a bit of Sumatra shown in the upper left border. The hills are filled with illustrations of hunters and wildlife and the sea is alive with sea monsters and sailing ships. The map was prepared by Giacomo Gastaldi, the most prominent Italian mapmaker of the period. This is the first state from the original woodblock that was destroyed by fire in 1557.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) G.RAMU-1a #2.

Condition: A

A nice impression on a clean, bright sheet with a few tiny worm holes and marginal soiling. This example was cut cleanly from the book and professionally re-joined along the centerfold.