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A handsome and historically significant double-page copper engraving by Emanuel Bowen, engraver to King George II of Great Britain and King Louis XV of France — one of the foremost English cartographers of the 18th century. Titled "An Accurate Map of the East Indies, Exhibiting the Course of the European Trade both on the Continent and Islands," this substantial map was engraved for one of the landmark English geographical publications of the mid-18th century, as confirmed by the "Vol. I, Page 662" reference in the upper margin.
The map presents a sweeping view of South and Southeast Asia at the height of the European colonial trade era: the Indian subcontinent (labeled "Empire of the Indostan" and "Mogul"), Ceylon, the Bay of Bengal, the Malay Peninsula, Siam, Cochinchina, Borneo, the Philippine Islands, Java and the Sunda Islands, the Moluccas, and the northern tip of New Holland (Australia). The coverage encompasses the full sweep of the East India trade routes that defined 18th-century European commerce and geopolitical rivalry.
The illustrated cartouche in the upper right — a hallmark of Bowen's finest work — depicts indigenous figures in a tropical landscape with a globe, books, and scientific instruments, symbolizing geographic knowledge. Original hand color throughout, with political boundaries delicately highlighted in period washes.
Dimensions: 18" x 15.5" (map sheet)
Condition: Vibrant original hand color on face; honest age toning on verso with some moisture staining to reverse (does not appear to affect printed face); center fold as issued; light edge wear at margins consistent with removal from binding.
