"Asiae Nova Descriptio" c 1579 Ortelius Asia

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“ASIAE NOVA DESCRIPTIO” Antwerp: Abraham Ortelius, c. 1579 from Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. Verso text Latin. Very fine engraved map with later hand-coloring and original centerfold. (Image : 14 5/8 X 19 1/8’’)   Reference:  Van den Broecke # 7 state 2 (without “cum privilegio” in lower left, and “La farfana” has lower case “f”).

This highly decorative map is based on Ortelius’  1567 wall map of the continent, which in turn was based upon maps by Gastaldi and Albufeda. It depicts the eastern edges of Europe and Africa and continues eastward to include all of Asia, the East Indies, Japan, and portions of New Guinea and Australia. This cordiform projection shows Asia extended too far to the east, an error propagated with Ptolemy.

Topographical features are shown and countries, major cities, towns, waterways, deserts, and islands are located.  Ortelius claimed the mythical Cayamay Iacus in Southeast Asia was the source of several great rivers.

The numerous waterways depicted indicate the belief of a water route through China to the North Sea and on to Europe.  Japan is shown in a “kite” form taken from Jesuit sources.

The map is further enhanced with a decorative title cartouche and ships at sea. 

A very attractive example of  Ortelius' "New Map of Asia" - one of the most celebrated 16th century representations of the region.

Shipped unmatted

  • Inventory# M-14116
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