Gastaldi's Scarce Map of Southern Asia

"Seconda Tavola", Gastaldi/Ramusio

This is an important and scarce woodblock map of Southern Asia oriented with south at the top. Derived from the most up-to-date Portuguese sources, the map presents the coasts of the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka in a modern configuration. It extends from the Persian Gulf and Baharen to the Gulf of Bengal, with a bit of Sumatra shown near 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: B+

A fine impression on watermarked paper with some light soiling and minor toning. There are some short separations along the centerfold, in between the map images. Narrow bottom margin, apparently as issued.