Asia Nova Descriptio by Ortelius
Detail
Date of first map: 1572
Date of this map: 1580/1589 (second state)
Dimensions (without margins): 37 x 48 cm
Dimensions with margins: 48,4 x 51,6 cm
Condition: Generally in very good condition. Sharp printing. Lower right margin short and shaving the neatline, previously remargined for protective reason.
Condition rating: A
Verso: text in German
Map reference: van der Krogt 8000:31B; van den Broecke 7
From: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum; van der Krogt 31:221, page 3
In stock
Asia Nova Descriptio
Ortelius’ fine map of Asia well represents the continent at a time when Europeans were expanding their power in the far east.
Showing all of Asia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines. Title in a fine roll cartouche at bottom left.
The Indian subcontinent and Malaysian peninsula are easily recognizable. Ceylon and Sumatra are correctly placed. The Philippines are distorted and Japan is too far north and incorrectly orientated, with the embryonic outline of the three main islands and with the Ryukus and Taiwan appearing as a tail of islands to the south of the archipelago.