Beautiful map of Asia showing the northern part of the continent divided between the possessions of Muscovy and Tartary. An elaborate illustrated cartouche is placed on the lower left.

It was maps like these that influenced Peter the Great of Russia to conceive the idea of the Great Northern Expeditions into Siberia and lay claim to the lands there on behalf of Russia. Another geographical point of interest is the depiction of the land of Yedso, or modern Hokkaido, here portrayed as part of the Asian landmass; on its eastern side is a mysterious landmass which could be interpreted as part of America or it could also be the mythical Company's Land, a mysterious landmass supposedly sighted by ships of the Dutch East Indies Company when sailing to Japan. Original hand colour. [AS1173]