"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.

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

Condition: B+

A nice impression with full contemporary color that was lightly refreshed, on paper with the crossed arrows watermark commonly found on Ortelius maps. There is very light soiling, some small abrasions at top right, and printer's creases at bottom left and also east of China.