Ortelius' Important Map of Southeast Asia

"Indiae Orientalis, Insularumque Adiacientium Typus", Ortelius, Abraham

Ortelius' important map of Southeast Asia, based on Mercator's 1569 World map, shows how sketchy the available information was concerning the region. The East Indies are presented as a randomly scattered archipelago with Java and Borneo particularly misshapen. Taiwan is mapped for the first time as I. Fermosa in the 'tail' of kite-shaped Japan's Lequaio islands. The fictitious Chyamai lacus is the source of a network of major rivers in Southeast Asia. Beach pars, a presumed promontory of the great southern continent based on Marco Polo's account, protrudes into the bottom of the map. In the upper right corner, America makes an appearance with the three coastal cities of Quivira, Cicuie, and Tiguex. Near the shore lies a ship being menaced by a pair of sea monsters, while twin mermaids preen before each other near the Ladrone Islands. This is the first state. German text on verso, published between 1572-73.

References: Van den Broecke #166; Suarez, pp 164-69.

Condition: B

A nice impression on watermarked paper with attractive color and light soiling. There are several minute worm holes along the centerfold, only visible when held to light. There are old paper repairs to a centerfold separation and two short tears in the image. A chip at top right has been repaired with a small amount of border replaced in facsimile. There are remnants of kraft paper glued on verso, primarily in the blank margins.