1740 Seutter Large Old, Antique Map of India, Mughal Empire, Tibet, Nepal

Click Here

Imperii Magni Mogolis sive Indici Padschach, juxta recentiissimas Navigationes accurata delineato Geographica studio et sumtibus.

This large beautifully hand coloured original antique map of India and the Northern Mughal Empire was published by Georg Mattraus Seutter in 1740.

Representing 18th century Germany cartography at it’s finest; this is an absolutely spectacular c. 1740 map of northern India by Matthias Seutter. Showing the extent of the powerful Mughal Empire in the late 17th century, this map details the subcontinent and parts of Central Asia from Persia and Khandhar eastward as far a modern day Burma and Thailand. Extends northward to include parts of Tibet and Nepal and southwards as far as the Malabar Coast and the Gulf of Thailand. Cartographically this map is heavily based upon Hondius and Mercator’s 17th century of the same region entitled India Orientalis. Presented is wonderful combination of surprising accuracy, gross errors, and outright speculation. Generally speaking, this map is cartographically solid detailing numerous cities, river systems and trade routes. Shows Deli, Agra, Kandahar (Candahar), Lahore (Lahor), Pegu, Goa, Kabul (Cabul), Jaisalmer (Gislemere), and many other important and still thriving cities. Also notes several important trade routes including the ancient caravan trail westward from Agra into Persia. Despite this map’s thoroughness, there are a number of cartographic errors, probably the most notable of which is the narrowing of the subcontinent. Usually such lateral misrepresentations are the result of erroneous 16th century longitudinal calculations. In this case, these errors found their way into the Hondius’s map and hence into this one as well. The northernmost regions depicted on this map are highly speculative with regard to physical geography. A number of large lakes, including the apocryphal Lake of Chiamay, are speculated in the northeastern quadrants of the map as the sources of four important Southeast Asian river systems including the Irrawaddy, the Dharla, the Chao Phraya, and the Brahmaputra. The curious Lake of Chiamay (also called Chiam-may or Chian-may), roughly located in the area of Assam but sometimes as far north as Tibet and China, began to appear in maps of this region as early as the 16th century and persisted well into the mid 18th century. Its origins are unknown but may originate in a lost 16th century geography prepared by the Portuguese scholar Jao de Barros. It was speculated to be the source of five important Southeast Asian River systems and was mentioned in the journals of Sven Hedin. There are even records that the King of Siam led an invasionary force to take control of the lake in the 16th century. Nonetheless, the theory of Lake Chimmay was ultimately disproved and it disappeared from maps entirely by the 1760s. Decorated with several extremely attractive allegorical cartouche image. The title cartouche in the lower left hand quadrant shows Poseidon, Hermes, an angel and the goddess Fame admiring the wealth of Asia as represented by jewels, ivory, and precious metals. In the upper left hand quadrant, a distance scale plays second fiddle to a scene of cherubs rummaging through chests full of treasure while exotic peacocks look on. A large trade Caravel rests in the Indian Ocean, lower right quadrant, suggesting the trade riches to be had by daring ship captains willing to sail half way around the world. Engraved by Albrecht Carl Seutter and published by Matthias Seutter c. 1740.  (Ref: M&B; Tooley)

Please note all items auctioned are genuine, we do not sell reproductions. A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) can be issued on request.

If you wish to discuss this or any other item please email or call - good luck, Simon. Classical Images 61 (0) 409 551910 Tel

Imperfections: Margins: - Bottom & top margin extended from plate-mark & border Plate area: - None Verso: - None

Overall Quality (in Bold ): Perfect/Fine /Very Good/Good/Fair/Poor

After serving an apprenticeship to J. B. Homann, the Nuremberg map publisher, Seutter set up his own very successful business in Augsburg and was appointed Geographer to the Imperial Court. With his son, Albrecht, and son-in-law, Conrad Lotter, he issued in about 1741 a large series of town plans. For much of his life he worked in competition with his old employer and, not surprisingly, his maps are often very similar to those of Homann.

Please also contact me before the end of the auction if you would like to discuss payment by installments over an agreed period Australian buyers please add 10% GST *(Please email your CC#, Expiry Date, full name on card & shipping address in two separate emails or alternatively you can fax or phone to the numbers below.)

Please see above shipping & payments tab shipping options as outlined below

1. Economy airmail shipping - no online tracking 2. Standard airmail shipping - online tracking 3. Expedited courier shipping - online tracking

We will combine purchases to reduce shipping costs. Please email after making multiple purchases so we can ensure the best combined shipping cost for you.  

Classical Images adheres to the Codes of Ethics outlined by the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA) . We are enthusiastic collectors ourselves of Antiquarian treasures and are happy to share our knowledge, discuss issues and provide information and assistance, both in general and about items we offer for sale.

All items sold by Classical Images are genuine and a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) will be happily supplied on request. Thank you Simon & Andrea Mayers Classical Images 61 (0)409 551910 Tel  

RETURN POLICY STATEMENT

Since purchasing online does not give the opportunity to examine our merchandise directly we strive to give you as much information as possible in the description, condition report and images supplied for each item. We sell only quality merchandise, and take great care to accurately research and describe the features and condition of each item so that you can be comfortable with your buying decision. If you receive an item which you feel was not accurately described in our catalogue or is not in the condition stated then you have 14 days to return the item with a full purchase refund (less S&H) providing the item is returned in the same condition as it was sent and via an insured internet trackable shipping service.

RETURN POLICY

a. All items must be returned within 14 days (postmark or pickup date).

b. Returns must be shipped securely packaged, adequately insured, post-paid, internet traceable and in the same condition as purchased.

c. Please call us at (61) (0)409 551910 or contact us via email before returning any items.

d. All monies will be refunded once the item has been received and the above issues have been resolved.

We value our customers highly and will make every effort to satisfy all issues that arise. If you have any problems with your purchase please do not hesitate to contact us