Asia Declineatio: A 17th Century Hand-Colored Map of Asia by Justus Danckerts, 1685

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This is a scarce 17th century beautifully hand-colored copperplate engraved map of Asia entitled “Exactissima Asiae Delineatio in Praecipuas Regiones … Read more This is a scarce 17th century beautifully hand-colored copperplate engraved map of Asia entitled “Exactissima Asiae Delineatio in Praecipuas Regiones Caerterasque Partes divisa et denuo in lucem edita” by the Dutch cartographer Justus Danckerts. It was published in Amsterdam in 1685 in 'Atlas, Tot Amsterdam'. This very rare and attractive late 17th century map depicts Asia, India, Indonesia, the Maldives, East Indies, extending to northern Australia in the south, Japan in the west, the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, Arabia and Asia Minor in the east and Russia and China in the north. It includes a detailed view of Persia, Mongolia, Indonesia and the Philippines. The extent of European knowledge of the region is depicted reflecting the surveys of the Dutch East India Company. The work of the Jesuit missionaries is reflected in the well-documented region of China, while there is less information presented in northern and central Asia. Interesting projection of Japan and nice detail in China. The Philippines and Southeast Asian landmasses are disproportionately large, with the surrounding seas much smaller than actual size. The imaginary landmass "Yedso", also known as "Jesso", is depicted north of Japan. There is a colorful title cartouche in the lower left with a camel, apparent merchants and men working on packaged merchandise.

This rare strikingly attractive hand-colored map is printed on laid, chain-linked paper. The sheet measures 20" high and 23.38." wide. There is a central vertical fold, as issued. There is a short tear at the edge of the sheet in the lower left corner, professionally repaired on the verso and a small amount of color offset and discoloration. The map is otherwise in very good condition. See less