This exquisite, early map of Sri Lanka is shown with an unusual five-sided shape. North is oriented to the left by an elaborate compass rose. The map was beautifully engraved by Petrus Plancius with pictorial detail of mountains, roads, forests, villages, kingdoms, mines, stupas and spice plantations. This is the first plate, embellished with three strapwork cartouches, a finely rendered sailing ship, a compass rose, and animals roaming the interior (including a large elephant with his manhout). Latin text on verso.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #8380:1A.1.

Condition: A

A dark impression with old color, some minor flaws in the paper at left, and a minute hole in the cartouche at bottom right.