East Indies and Australia--Goos, Pieter.

Large engraved portolan chart on vellum, 470 x 855mm., contemporary hand colour, the map lacking approximately the upper quarter, above the Tropic of Cancer, as often found, this more likely due to dictates of the size of the vellum rather than anything else (most extant examples are cropped in binding), [Schilder, Australia  Unveiled, p.202 (pl.XLIV); Koeman IV, p. 387; Tooley, Mapping of Australia, 792], some soiling and discoloration, chipped along lower edge with slight loss

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalgue 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."

Rare, and highly important chart of the Indian Ocean extending from the Cape of Good Hope to the Far East and Australia, printed on vellum, a more durable material, more suitable for shipboard use than paper.

Although lacking approximately a quarter of the height of the chart, the area missing is mostly ornamental, although the coast of China above Taiwan and Japan is missing, but South-East Asia, East Indies and Australia are all intact.

There is some doubt about dating, and precedence, but archival evidence suggests that this chart was drawn by Dirck Rembrants van Nierop in 1658, and was not a rehash of an existing chart; if this chart can indeed be securely dated to 1658, then it is the first newly engraved map, as opposed to one printed from an existing and modified plate, to name all the Dutch discoveries in Australia, from the first landfall in 1616 and culminating in Abel Tasman's extremely important voyage of 1642-1644.

This is one of the most elaborate and striking wall-maps of the region, geographically very important, here in its first state as published by Goos, and all the more desirable as being printed on vellum.