Carta Dell Asia

Rare case map of Asia from the mid-19th century.

This marvelously detailed map of Asia uses vibrant original color to present the territorial outlines of the various regional continental polities during the mid-19th century. The image provides a fascinating contemporary overview from the Dardanelles to the Bering Strait and down to the Malay Peninsula. Toponyms are a fascinating mix of Italian and local dialects, with settlements, geographic features, regions, and kingdoms labeled throughout. Topography is depicted in hachure, deserts are stippled, and lowlands are represented with swamp grass.

At the time of publication, there was significant upheaval across the continent as European powers began to make significant economic and political inroads. The British presence in India had been well-established, but the Opium Wars opened up Hong Kong and Canton for trade in China. The French, feeling pressure from Britain’s growing empire, would respond with colonizing efforts in Southeast Asia.

Dutch merchants dominated much of Indonesia, near the bottom of the page, and just a few years after the map was issued Commodore Matthew Perry would forcefully open Japan to American commerce. The Ottoman and Russian Empires possess vast territorial holdings, but their inept militaries would see subsequent losses not long after the map was issued.

Designed by Gaudenzio Bordiga and based on an earlier 4-sheet map of Asia created by Adrien Hubert-Brue. Published in Milan in 1850 by G. Vallardi.