Asiae Nova Descriptio.

This is a rare or used book from the Berkelouw Rare Books Department.

(Antwerp ca.1570 but possibly 1592). Original hand-coloured map of Asia and South East Asia including New Guinea (Nova Guinea) and part of Australia (Terrae Incognitae Australis) in lower right hand corner. Includes a fine cartouche of gargoyles as well as depicting 2 sailing ships. All in delicate original hand-colouring. Measuring approx. 48.5 x 37cm. plus margins mounted ready for framing. Text in Latin on verso. Scarce 16th Century chart. NOTE: Abraham Ortelius colourist cartographer and publisher of Antwerp was born in 1527 and died in 1598. He produced the first modern uniform atlas of the World in 1570 and in this map of Asia he depicts a waterway cutting right through the Malay Peninsula. Ptolmy was aware of this waterway and modern scholars have identified it as the Muar and Pahang Rivers. Note also that Australia is shown as "Terrae Incognitae Australis"- the unknown Southern Land. The Ancient Greeks and Romans believed the existence of this land.