"Tabula Indiae Orientalis", Wit, Frederick de

This beautiful map of Southeast Asia was engraved by Joannes Lhulier in 1662. The map covers from southeastern Persia to Formosa (Taiwan), the Philippines, and northern Australia. The many islands are clearly depicted, the ports predominate. The map illustrates the sphere of influence of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) which had built a great trading empire throughout the region in the seventeenth century. Ships coming into Batavia (Jakarta) from the Netherlands carried supplies for VOC settlements in Asia. Silver and copper from Japan were used to trade with India and China for silk, cotton, porcelain and textiles. These products were either traded within Asia for the coveted spices from the Celebes or brought back to Europe. This map served as the prototype for Speed's map of the East Indies. This is the third state, with additional place names along the southern coast of Java and the Australian coast and new islands north of Formosa, published 1688-89.

References: Carhart #16.3.

Condition: A

A crisp impression on a bright sheet with a couple of minor spots and archivally repaired centerfold separations at top and bottom.