Map of East Asia by Frederick de Wit, 17th Century

This copper-engraved map, titled 'Magnae Tartariae, Magni Mogolis, Imperii Iaponiae et Chinae Nova Descriptio', was created by Frederick de Wit in Amsterdam around 1680. It represents the northeast of Asia, from the island of Formosa to the north of the Arctic Circle. The representation includes 'Great Tartary', the Mughal Empire, China, and Japan, reflecting European knowledge of the 17th century. The map shows the Great Wall and multiple cities in China and northern India. Decorative elements include finely engraved mountains and trees. The topography is speculative, with coastlines and geographical features that are not precise. The condition is good, with wear consistent with its age. Frederick de Wit, one of the most prominent cartographers of the Dutch Golden Age, produced several influential maps of East and Southeast Asia during the 17th century. His most iconic work for this region is the Tabula Indiae Orientalis (c. 1662–1680), which reflects the height of Dutch maritime power and geographical knowledge. Key Features of the Map Geographical Scope: The map covers the vast region from the southeastern coast of Persia and India to Japan, the Philippines, and the northern coast of Australia (labeled as Hollandia Nova). Colonial Trade Routes: It highlights the strategic interests of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), showing major trading hubs like Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) and the island of Formosa (Taiwan). Decorative Cartouche: De Wit's maps are famous for their artistic flair. This one typically features a title cartouche adorned with figures of Asian merchants, turbaned warriors, and exotic animals. Cartographic Anomalies: Common for the time, it includes mythical elements like Lake Chiamay in central China, believed to be the source of five major Asian rivers. It also often depicts New Guinea as being joined to ... image: 45 x 56 cm (or 18 x 22 inches) sheet: 52 x 62 cm