A New Map of East India

Acquired From: Gowrie Galleries

Colouring: Coloured

Condition: Very Good

Confirmed: 28/09/2024

Date Acquired: 9/12/2003

Dealers ID No.: M443 (STK 1423.01)

Description: John Speed, a leading English cartographer during the reign of the Stuart monarchs (1603-1714), began his mapmaking journey later in life, producing his first maps in the 1590s and dedicating himself fully to the craft in his late 50s.nSpeed's reputation rests on two major atlases: The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine, first published in 1612 by John Sudbury and George Humble, and A Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World, initially published in 1627 by George Humble. Subsequent editions of A Prospect were released by William Humble in 1631/2 in 1646, 1650, and 1654. Later issued editions appeared in 1662 and 1665 by Roger Rea. The most notable version was published in 1676, when Thomas Bassett and Richard Chiswell published an expanded edition, adding seven new maps to the original twenty-one, including this map of Southeast Asia, China, Taiwan, and parts of India.nThe map reflects the prevalent European belief that all major rivers in Asia originated from a single source, depicted here as the mythical Chiamay Lacus (Lake Chiamay). Four rivers are shown flowing south from this lake into Indochina, a configuration influenced by earlier cartographic works. This idea, popularised by Jesuit mapmaker Matteo Ricci, likely drew from European maps he brought to China as well as Bon Po and Buddhist doctrines.nThe cartouche features four Asian figures, two of whom wear elaborate attire. On the left, a man with a moustache, turban, and bow is depicted, while on the right, a figure is dressed in traditional Chinese garments.

Engraver: Lamb, Francis (fl. 1667-1700)

First published: A Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World viz. Asia, Africa, Europe, America with their Empires and Kingdoms London: Thomas Bassett and Richard Chiswell, 1676

Mapmaker: Speed, John (1552-1629)

Price: A5,400 plus gst

Primary Category: Asia

Purchase Reference: Inv. 1993

References: Parry (2005), The Cartography of the East Indian Islands p.115 pl 4.28, pl 135 pl 5.3nSuarez (1999), Early Mapping of Southeast Asia

Technique: Copper Engraving

This state: 1676