I'le de Sumatra - Uncommon map of the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

8.4

Verlag: Pieter Van der Aa

Beschreibung

"Situated just a few miles south of the peninsular coastline of Malaysia (seen on the right side), the island of Sumatra occupied a strategic geographic location in the global maritime trade. The Sunda Strait (bottom), Malaca Strait (near the top) and Singapore Strait (on the right) were all critical waterways in the transportation of slaves, silver, silks, and spices. This map was published while the last was of particular interest - Sumatra was a critical exporter of pepper and cloves. The English and Dutch operated a handful of factories, or trading posts, along the coastline, but it wasn't until the 19th century that the latter was able to make significant territorial inroads across the island. The city of Bantam, seen on the northern tip of Java at the bottom of the page, was an important trading post. The map is oriented with northwest at the top of the sheet, possibly in an effort to maximize the available space of the page. It was created by Pieter Van der Aa and published in Leiden in 1717 as part of Jean Mandelslo's "Voyage de Perse aux Indes Orientales." This epic travelogue details the voyages of Jean-Albert (Johan Albrecht) Mandelslo - a German diplomat who traveled to Russian and Persia in the late 1630's on a political mission for the Duke of Holstein but was separated from his group. He would carry on through India, Ceylon, and Madagascar before returning home to write about his travels. Information on the Far East, including the Spice Islands, was included in the publication, but garnered from other sources." Sheet Height (in) 13.1 Condition A Uneven outer edges that are slightly toned, consistent with age. Otherwise in fine condition overall, with a bold, crisp imprint.

Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 2460

Bibliografische Details

• Titel: I'le de Sumatra - Uncommon map of the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
• Verlag: Pieter Van der Aa