Gerhard Mercator (1512-1594) and Jodocus Hondius (1563-1612): 'Asiae Nova Descriptio', copper engraving, [1613-1616]

Work: 50,3 x 37,7 cm 

Map from the famous 'Mercator-Hondius' atlas published in Amsterdam in 1613, especially important for the mapping of the Chinese mainland. Several sources appear to have been used in the compilation of this map, including the Portuguese Jesuits Luis Teixeira (1595) for Japan, and Luis Jorgede Barbuda (1584) for details of China. Korea is depicted as an island. Recent discoveries of Barentsz. are cited. Parts of America and New Guinea are shown, together with numerous sea monsters and ships.