China Arabia Korea as island Alaska India Japan 1626 Purchas Hondius scarce map

Asia.

(Arabia- Persia- India- Russia- Tartary- China- Southeast Asia- Siam- Philippines- New Guinea- Alaska).

Issued 1626, London by Purchase for his rare and monumental Relations of the World . Cartography by Hondius.

Charming and uncommon early 17th century antique copper engraved miniature map. Text on reverse as always.

Of note for the very prominent Korea as an island. The entire Asian region is compressed, the Straits of Anian separate the coast with a large portion of the Alaska coastline of North America at top right corner. A huge partial New Guinea bottom left, the coastline obscured by the distance scale. Title within strapwork cartouche lower left, Africa and Italy along left side. Includes from Turkey across the Japan and the "Isles delas Velas" (Mariana Island chain).

Map displays overall age toning and light damp staining, less than perfect example but still nice looking and worthy of ownership. Side margin has been reinforced on back with matching paper to strengthen and slightly extend (see scan of reverse of map).  Longitude and latitude graduations surround the map.

Sheet measures c. 6 3/4"H x 8 1/4"W.

Printed area measures c. 6"H x 7 1/2"W.

Tooley's Dictionary of Mapmakers , vol. 2, p, 364-6.

Koeman, Atlantes Neerlandici, vol. II, p. 319-146.

[R17960].