Tabula Indiæ Orientalis: De Wit 1680

Title: Tabula Indiæ Orientalis Author: Frederick de Wit Date: 1680 Medium: Hand-colored copperplate engraving Condition: Very Good Plus - light toning and foxing Inches: 23 x 18 1/2 [Image] Centimeters: 58.97 x 47.44 [Image] Product ID: 3893 The map encompasses southern Asia, stretching from southeastern Persia to northwestern Australia, but its primary emphasis is on India and Maritime Southeast Asia. In this region, European joint-stock companies—such as the English and Dutch East India Companies—were actively establishing trading posts, creating commercial hubs, and forging both trade relationships and political alliances as they competed for dominance in the lucrative spice and textile trades. Frederik de Wit, born in Gouda in c.1630, was one of the most famous cartographers of the second half of the 17th century. De Wit's maps are known for their geographic accuracy, intricate detail, and elaborate cartouches. After the decline of the Blaeu and Janssonius publishing hous