Catalog Archive
Auction 159, Lot 613

Hondius' Map of Asia with Korea as an Island

"Asiae Nova Descriptio Auctore Jodoco Hondio", Hondius, Jodocus

Subject: Asia

Period: 1613 (circa)

Publication: Gerardi Mercatoris - Atlas sive Cosmographicae

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.8 x 14.8 inches
50.3 x 37.6 cm
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This excellent map of Asia was Hondius’ update of Mercator’s map of 1595. Though it corrected many of Mercator’s errors, the map still has many interesting early depictions. Korea is shown as a very long island. Japan is depicted on the Ortelius-Teixeria model with three principal islands. In India, the Gulf of Cambay is very exaggerated but the shape of Ceylon has been improved. The mythical Chami Lacus appears to the northeast of India. The Philippines are marked as the Philippina Insulae, as well as Archipelagus S. Lazari, Magellan’s original name for the group. The southern coastline of Java is left blank. The northern coastline of New Guinea includes many place names from Spanish expeditions, and there is a note that it is unknown if New Guinea is a part of Terra Australis. Across the Anian Fretum lies part of North America, labeled Americae Pars, with a cartouche notation concerning the searches for a Northwest Passage. The map is richly decorated with strapwork cartouches, ships, and numerous sea monsters.

References: Yeo #20; Walter #24; Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #8000:1B.

Condition: B

Watermarked paper with original color that has been refreshed, a few small abrasions, and some tiny worm holes only visible when held to light. There are professional repairs to several tears that enter about 1" into image, and to a number of chips in the blank margins.

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400

Sold for: $700

Closed on 9/14/2016

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