East Indies, Cambodia, Thailand and California.- Ortelius (Abraham)

Indiae Orientalis Insularumque Adiacientium Typus, copper engraved map, from Ortelius’ ‘Theatrum Orbis Terrarum’, hand coloured, coat of arms in top left, decorative title cartouche, ocean adorned with mermaids beautifying themselves rather than aiding nearby ships being attacked by a sea monster, are based on those occurring on Diego Gutierrez map of America, central vertical fold, German text on verso, framed and glazed, overall size 630 x 760mm, Antwerp, c.1572.

***The map is focused on the Spice Islands, a rich resource for trade and the obsession of Europe. Several islands have notes regarding the spices available and who is trading them. Near New Guinea, which is shown as a large promontory, is the note, "New Guinea, which seems to be called Piccinaculus land by Andreas Corsalis. Whether this is an island or part of the South Land is uncertain." The existence of the continent was presumed because it was thought to balance the lands of the northern hemisphere.