"Asiae Nova Descriptio", Ortelius, Abraham

This is the second, re-engraved map of Asia to appear in the Theatrum from 1575 onwards. It is based on Ortelius' own wall map of Asia (1567), which was in turn based on the work of Gastaldi and various other sources. It 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 the manner of Ruscelli 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. Large strapwork title cartouche. Latin text on verso, published in 1579.

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

Condition: B+

Original color on watermarked paper with very light creasing along the centerfold, two tiny pinholes, and minor soiling in the image. There is a chip at bottom left, well away from the image, and some soiling in the blank margins.