A fine and detailed example of Hondius' map depicting China and Southeast Asia, taken from the French edition of the Mercator-Hondius Atlas. First issued in 1606, this map is considered one of the most distinguished early Dutch representations of the region. It was among the 37 newly engraved maps created by Jodocus Hondius for his expanded version of Mercator’s famous atlas.

The map spans from the Indian subcontinent across Southern China, including the Pearl River Estuary, Canton (Guangzhou), and Formosa (Taiwan). It also encompasses the entire Malay Peninsula, Indochina, northern Borneo, and the Philippine Islands.

One of the most distinctive and unusual aspects of the map is its portrayal of the southern Malay Peninsula as split into two, with the southern tip shown as an island separated from the mainland by a channel running northeast from just below Malacca. Another notable feature is the inclusion of the legendary Lake Chiamay—here labeled "Chiamai"—believed to be the source of five major rivers.

The map is richly embellished with artistic details, including a large sea monster, a European sailing ship, and an oriental junk. It features the typical scrollwork cartouches for the title and scale found throughout the Mercator-Hondius Atlas.

First published in: Gerardi Mercatoris - Atlas sive Cosmographicae Meditationes de Fabrica Mundi et Fabricati Figura. J. Hondius. 1606. (Van der Krogt 1, 101)

Sheet size: 57,5×47,5 cm
Map size: 50×37,5 cm

In good condition for its age, with minor tears not affecting the map field. French text on verso, page numbers 375-376, "Ffffffff", reinforced along fold. Slight waterstain to the upper margin.

Van der Krogt, P.: Koeman's Atlantes Neerlandici, 8400:1A; Suarez, T.: Early Mapping of Southeast Asia, p. 194, Fig. 111.