Java, Sumatra, Borneo & Straits of Sunda - Bellin c.1748

Java, Sumatra, Borneo & Straits of Sunda - Bellin c.1748Title: Carte des Isles de Java, Sumatra, Borneo & les Detroits de la Sonde Malaca et Banca (Map of the Islands of Java, Sumatra, Borneo & the Straits of Sunda, Malacca, and Banca) Cartographer: Jacques Nicolas Bellin (17031772) Published: Paris, c. 17481750 Technique: Copperplate engraving with hand coloring Description: An essential 18th century maritime chart detailing the core of the East Indies. This map focuses on the strategic shipping lanes

Condition: Copper engraving with period hand-colouring

Marsden utilized recent hydrographic surveys and astronomical readings to chart the coastlines of Sumatra and the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula with unprecedented precision

the west coast of Sumatra was a high-value but dangerous frontier for European trade

a collection designed to bring the wonders of the world to the libraries of the European elite

containing numerous copperplate engraved maps

From: Atlas Contractus or issued as a separate sheet

Year: 1828 (May 1st)

intricate coat of arms is dedicated to Gerardo Schaep

making it a prized piece for collectors of Indo-Islamic history and early global travel art

Urban Divide: A notable feature is the depiction of the wall separating the Portuguese colonial city from the neighboring Chinese village

It covers a vast area including:

The "Indies" and Southeast Asia: A beautifully detailed rendering of the Philippine archipelago