"Asia Vetus", Sanson/Mariette

This is the first edition of Sanson's folio map of ancient Asia, engraved by A. Peyrounin. The map illustrates the known geography but employs Ptolemaic place names only in the regions prior to the Great Discoveries. The map includes numerous geographical inaccuracies. There is a long, unnamed coastline of America, which is separated from Asia by a narrow strait. Japan is depicted on the Teixiera model with no sign of Hokkaido, and Korea is depicted as an island. The Caspian Sea is oval-shaped and horizontally oriented. An unnamed Chiamay Lacus appears west of China with five rivers flowing south. The map extends to include much of the eastern coast of Africa.

References: Pastoureau, SANSON V A [99]; Yeo #42.

Condition: B+

A sharp impression with contemporary outline color on a bright sheet with a large easel watermark. There are a few small spots at bottom, a couple of minor printer's creases, and light dampstaining along the edges of the sheet.