Early Dutch Map Featuring Chiamai Lacus, "India Orientalis", Hondius, Jodocus

Subject: Southern & Southeast Asia
Period: 1619 (published)
Publication: Gerardi Mercatoris - Atlas sive Cosmographicae
Color: Hand Color
Size: 14 x 19.3

This distinctive map is one of the earliest Dutch maps to focus on the region covering the Indian peninsula, through Burma and Thailand, to the Philippines and extending to the tip of the Malaysian peninsula with parts of Borneo and Sumatra. Elegantly engraved with a wave-patterned sea, a galleon, a sampan, and a sea monster. Inland the dominate feature is the mythical Chiamai Lacus, from which five rivers flow, and two other spurious lakes in central China. One of the most interesting and unusual features of the Malay peninsula is its dissection in two, the southern part becoming an island just south of Malacca. Further embellished with three fine strapwork cartouches. French text on verso.

References: Suarez, Fig. 111; Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #8400:1A.
Condition: A
A superb impression on a clean, bright sheet with professional repairs to several minor separations along the centerfold and a couple of faint damp stains along the edges of the sheet.