World--Plancius, Petrus.

Shirley, Mapping of the World 187; Walter, Japan - A Cartographic Vision p.17

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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."

The first world map with elaborate pictorial borders.

Petrus Plancius was the first official geographer to the Dutch East India Company (the VOC) and the greatest Dutch cartographer of his generation.

In this map, which "had a widespread influence on other map-makers" (Shirley), he incorporated important new material, particularly relating to the quest for the North-East passage past Russia to the Far East, some of it from English sources, and his work in this area helped inspire the voyages of Willem Barentsz. (1594-1597).

The map is also highly significant for the improved delineation of the Far East, Japan and Korea. Included is the first appearance in print of Luis Teixeira's new outline for Japan and the earliest appearance of Korea in a western printed map, while New Guinea is now shown as a peninsula of "Terra Australis". This information was derived from Portuguese manuscript sources, with Plancius "one of the few north Europeans able to penetrate the wall of secrecy that surrounded manuscript portolan maps produced by Iberian powers" (Walter).

Surprisingly, in view of its cartographic significance, the map seems to generate most attention for its decoration. It is the first printed map of the world with "elaborate pictorial borders... inspired by drawings in the work of Theodore de Bry and [this map] established a pattern of cartographic decoration that lasted for over a century" (Shirley).