One of the Earliest Southeast Asia Maps

FRIES, L/ PTOLEMY, C. [Lyons, 1522/ 1535]

Myanmar (Burma)/ Thailand/ Bangladesh. FRIES, L., PTOLEMY, C. [Lyons: 1522/ 1535] [On verso:] Tabula XI Asiae. 11 x 16 inches. Fine hand color; excellent condition. 

 One of the earliest acquirable maps to focus on a specific region of Southeast Asia. The areas depicted on the map is primarily today’s Myanmar, which is here called “India Extra Gangem” (“India beyond the Ganges”); the southern part of the peninsula shown is named “Aurea Chersone,” or the “Golden Peninsula.” Southeast Asia had long been associated with gold, and for centuries, Ophir, the source of King Solomon’s gold, came to be identified as the “Golden Peninsula.” This area was thought to have different locations throughout Southeast Asia at various times.

To the south are various island groups, some of which are identified as the sources of specific gems and precious metals. To the west are the mouths of the Ganges River.

Price: $600.00