John Smith More Furniture and Collectibles

The Khmers History and Treasures of an Ancient Civilization by Stefano Vecchia. This is a history of the Khmers, the p...

Grand Tour model of the Eiffel Tower, now as a lamp, newly wired. The architectural model stands 30" high, 33" high to the top of the socket.

A bronze cast of the Luxor Obelsik, one side a thermometer. This was a popular Grad Tour souvenir in the late 19th century. Mounted on a polished black slate base. 8.5 inches high by 3.5 by 3.5 The Luxor Obelisk...

Rare and collectible orrery (tellurium) produced by the renowned Italian maker Paravia, Torino in 1900. This finely crafted planetary model illustrates the Earth-Sun-Moon system, dem...

Anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting the hand swinging on a fork supported by a black lacquered wooden base. Made of plaster and finished entirely in colour. Ital...

Sotheby's: The Breitbart Collection of Antiquities & Ancient Glass, 6/1990. 145 lots, Ancient Glass; Egyptian, Western Asiatic, and classical antiquities...

A paradoxical orrery that demonstrates the earth-moon system and its movement. The base of the planetarium is made of fruit wood, circular in shape with three bell-shaped wood feet. ...

This rare and fascinating map, titled "Atlantis Insula a Nicolao Sanson Antiquitati Restituta" by Guillaume Sanson, presents an unusual interpretation of the Western Hemisphere, comb...

The American Discovery of Ancient Egypt 1995. Essays, edited by Nancy Thomas. A survey of the achievements of American Egyptology featuring such enterpris...

This map is titled "INDIA," and it provides a detailed view of the Indian subcontinent with various inset maps that offer additional historical and geographical context. The main ma...

Pair of Venetian Choirs in walnut, with carved details, of 1500. In first patina. Each choir consists of two seats ( two seated) and the size of each choir is: H. 263 – W. 175 – ...

This remarkable map, titled "Asiae X Tab:", is a significant historical artifact that represents the convergence of knowledge and craftsmanship from two of the most esteemed figures in the history of geography and cartography. Created by Gerard Mercator and based on the geographical insights of Claudius Ptolemy, this map is part of the rare first issue published in Brussels in 1578. The map itself meticulously delineates the region between the Indus and Ganges rivers, an area of immense historical and geographical importance. It is an excellent representation of Ptolemy's second-century geographical data, which was fundamental in shaping the modern principles of mapmaking. Mercator, renowned for his precision and dedication to adhering closely to Ptolemy's original intentions, showcases this commitment through the detailed depiction of this significant Asian landscape. This edition stands out not only for its historical accuracy but also for its artistic execution. Gerard Mercator, who was also an innovator in the use of the italic hand for map lettering, first introduced this style in his "Literarum latinarum" in 1540. The use of italics in this map enhances its legibility and aesthetic appeal, which became a hallmark of the finest sixteenth and seventeenth-century Dutch maps, largely attributed to Mercator’s influence. The map measures 13 ½ x 18 inches and features fine hand coloring, which has been preserved in almost excellent condition alttough there some browning due to age. As a splendid example of the first issue from Mercator’s definitive edition of Ptolemy’s "Geographia", it not only serves as a testament to the rich history of geographical exploration but also stands as a beacon of the enduring legacy of its makers, shaping the future of cartographic design and precision. The map "Asiae X Tab:", focusing on the region between the Indus and Ganges rivers, highlights several areas and cities of historical and geographical importance that are likely of interest to scholars, historians, and collectors. Here are key locations depicted on the map: 1. **Indus River**: As one of the major rivers of Asia and a cradle of ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization, the Indus River holds significant historical importance. 2. **Ganges River**: Another crucial river not just for its cultural and religious significance in India, but also as a vital geographic feature in ancient and medieval maps...