A gorgeous and incredibly rare early map of Southeast Asia, originally published in 1598 by John Wolfe. This map would later be known as The Spice Map as it was originally published to encourage the Dutch merchant navy to head to Asia and bring back some spices. 4 years later, of course, the Dutch East India Company would be formed... and the rest is history.
Along the bottom edge of the map there are detailed illustrations of nutmeg, cloves, sandalwood, and probably some other spices that I haven't yet identified.
The cartography of this map is also incredibly detailed for a 16th century map - though, as you can see, the lower coastline of New Guinea had not yet been discovered. The 'Beach' in the bottom left corner was based on an observation by Marco Polo and it would later become Australia.
Singapore Island is on the map, but it hasn't yet been named. (I can add Singapore to the map with my map personalisation service, if you wish!)
Other countries on here include Philippines, Thailand (Siam), Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos - though many of them are labelled with old names.
This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16 inches (31x41cm), 18x24 inches (45.5x61cm) and 24x36 inches (61x91.5cm), but it looks even better when printed large.
I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90 inches (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.
The model in the listing images is holding the 24x18 inch (61x45.5cm) version of this map.
If you’re looking for more options, I have another interesting old map of Asia by Willem Blaeu in 1640.
The locations on this map include: Philippines, Borneo, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. The Spice Islands, of course, are also shown on the map (now known as the Indonesian Maluku or Moluccas Islands.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving or housewarming gift for someone from The South East of Asia or perhaps someone loves to travel around the East.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.