Asia--Coronelli, Vincenzo Maria.

The condition of this item is as described in the catalogue description
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A large decorative map of the continent, dedicated to the Jesuits, zealous missionaries for the Catholic faith into the far-flung parts of the World, but also men of science and learning, who were keen observers and chroniclers of where they went and what they saw. The Jesuit Order was particularly influential in China; the history of European contact with China is largely the contacts made by that Order, with several becoming close counsellors of the Emperor, with appointments to leading posts in the government.

The map contains a remarkable delineation of the western coast of Australia, showing the dates of the discoveries, extending from the Northern Territory round Western Australia almost to Tasmania, with the southern coast of that island shown. The eastern seaboard of Australia was not authoritatively mapped until the arrival of Cook in the 1770s, and here is left entirely blank.