Antique Map of the Burmese Empire and Upper Indochina By Dalrymple, 1800

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Map of the Burmese Empire and Upper Indochina – Dutch Edition after Dalrymple, circa 1800 This antique map titled “Eene … Read more Map of the Burmese Empire and Upper Indochina – Dutch Edition after Dalrymple, circa 1800 This antique map titled “Eene Schets van het Birmansche Ryk, volgens een Kaart van Indie boven den Ganges door Dalrymple” (“A Sketch of the Burmese Empire, according to a Map of India above the Ganges by Dalrymple”) is a rare Dutch-language copper-engraved chart published around 1800. It is adapted from an earlier English map by Alexander Dalrymple, a prominent hydrographer for the British East India Company and one of the first Europeans to systematically chart parts of Southeast Asia. The map depicts the territories of Burma (Myanmar), Assam, Yunnan, Laos, Cambodia, Siam (Thailand), and parts of southern China and eastern India. The Irrawaddy River and its tributaries dominate the center, flowing from the mountainous northern frontiers to the delta near modern-day Yangon (Rangoon). Notable regions such as Cassay (Cachar), Yodompra Shan, Layn Sany Shan, and Tavoy are clearly marked, alongside historical cities including Ava, Pegu, Amarapura, and Cheduba. To the west, the Bay of Bengal is shown with the Andamanen (Andaman Islands) and the Mond van de Ganges (mouth of the Ganges). To the east lies Cochin China (Vietnam) and Canton (Guangzhou), connecting the Burmese and Chinese spheres of trade and influence. This map reflects Enlightenment-era efforts to understand the political geography of Asia based on new diplomatic and commercial information gathered during British and Dutch missions. It would have served as an educational tool for readers interested in Asian empires and colonial enterprise. Condition: Good condition with strong impression. Original horizontal and vertical folds, as issued. Some toning along folds and edges. Minor creases and a few small tears at margins, but image remains clear and intact. Framing tips: A dark walnut or black frame with a wide off-white mat enhances its historical and cartographic interest. Float-mounting is recommended to showcase the fold lines and full engraved border. Technique: Copper engraving Maker: C. van Baak, after Alexander Dalrymple, Netherlands, circa 1800 See less