[Sumatra] Taprobane. S. Münster. Basel. (ca. 1600)

Sumatra ein grosse Insel so von den alten Geographen Taprobana genennt worden. Woodcut. Map image 31 x 36 cm. Extra middle fold, restored on bottom with Japanese paper, at top small hole and wormhole; else complete and in fair condition.

An early and interesting map of Sumatra, part of Java and the southern part of Malaysia with Singapore as Cingalolo. Large cartouche with elephant and rider and above historical text in German. The mythical island Taprobana was sometimes seen and depicted as Ceylon and sometimes as Sumatra. Münster's Cosmographia was very popular and was published in 36 editions from 1544 to 1626.