"[Lot of 4 - Java and Lesser Sunda Islands]", Bry, Theodore de

This copper engraving is from a remarkable series of publications, illustrating voyages of discovery and travels of exploration to various parts of the world. The project was begun by Theodore de Bry of Frankfurt, in 1590 and was to continue for another 54 years. They became known collectively as the Grands Voyages (to America and the West Indies) and the Petits Voyages (to the Orient and the East Indies). De Bry died after the first six parts of the Grands Voyages were completed. The project was completed initially by his widow and two sons, Johann Theodore de Bry and Johann Israel de Bry, then by his son-in-law, Matthaus Merian in 1644.

A. [A Description of Bantam, the Capital of the Island of Java] XV. Was es mit der Meerforte Schiffstell / und der Statt Bantam..., from Petits Voyages, Part III, circa 1599 (7.0 x 5.4"). This chart presents a bird's-eye view of Banten (or Bantam), an important trade center and the capital of the Sultanate of Banten. The city, nearby islands, rocks, inlets, and ships are located. Depth soundings appear in the water. On a sheet of German text measuring 7.7 x 12.3". Condition: A nice impression on a watermarked sheet with a small rust spot in the engraved image and marginal soiling. (A)

B. [The Plants Lantor, Assa, Pimenta del Rabo, Talasse Mangostan and Pepper] XV. Idea Lantor, Assa, Pimenta del Rabo, Talasse, Mangostans, & Piperis, from Petits Voyages, Part IV, circa 1601 (6.9 x 5.3"). This attractive engraving shows some of the plant species native to Java, including the lantor (doub palm), pimenta del rabo (cubeb or Java pepper), assa (Javanese tamarind), and mangosteen. On a sheet of Latin text measuring 7.9 x 11.6". Condition: A crisp impression on watermarked paper. (A)

C. [The Chinese Merchants Who Trade in Bantam] XXIII. Mercatorum ex China in Bantam Negotiantium Schema, [on verso] [How the Chinese Worship Their Idols in Bantam] XXIV. Chinensium in Bantam Superstitio et Idololatria, from Petits Voyages, Part III, circa 1601 (6.9 x 5.4"). This interesting sheet features two engravings that document the lifestyles and culture of Bantam's Chinese population. The engraving on recto focuses on three figures: a merchant in a knitted cap with a scale to measure pepper (left), a Bantenese woman purchased as a servant (center), and another merchant with a hat and fan (right). On verso is a depiction of the Chinese at worship, bowing before an idol with offerings of fruit on the altar. On a sheet of Latin text measuring 7.9 x 11.4". Condition: There is faint dampstaining that enters the engraved image at top right. (B+)

D. [Portrait of the Island Solar with Its Harbour] Solor, from Grands Voyages, Part XI, circa 1620 (7.3 x 6.1"). This bird's-eye view illustrates the volcanic island of Solor in the Lesser Sunda Islands. It depicts the harbor as a large circle enclosed by rocks and mountains, with an exit that is allegedly hard to locate. A chalk-and-stone fortress is prominently identified on land, and a couple figures in local dress appear in the foreground at bottom right. On a sheet of German text measuring 7.9 x 12.8". Condition: There is a small paper flaw in the engraved image at top right and a small chip in the right blank margin. (B+)

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Condition:

See description above.