Maps

Workum in Friesland by Nicolaes van Geelkercken, hand-colored map ca. 1616 This beautifully hand-colored engraving titled 'Worcum' presents an early 17th-century bird’s-eye view of ...

Fine early plan of Batavia (Jakarta), published by Arnoldus Montanus. This map has a vignette at the bottom showing Jakarta from the sea with the volcanoes Mount Gede, Mount Pangrnago and Mount Salak in the background. The plan is based on the earlier, much larger map of Batavia published by Clement de Jonghe...

Antique map titled 'Peru'. Original antique map of Peru. With cartouche, compass rose, ships and two sea-monsters. Published by W. Blaeu, circa 1645.

Title: Hand-Colored 17th-Century Map of Île-de-France by Frederik De Wit c. 1688 Description: This striking map, "Le Gouvernement de l’Isle de France," showcases the Île-de-France r...

Title: Antique 17th-Century Map of Guangxi Province, China – "Qvangsii" by Blaeu, Richly Illustrated and Colored Description: This fascinating 17th-century map of Guangxi Province, historically referred to as "Qvangsii," was crafted by Johannes Blaeu and published in 1655 as part of the *Novus Atlas Sinensis*. Blaeu’s atlas, created in collaboration with Jesuit missionary Martino Martini, introduced European audiences to the geography of China in an unprecedented way. Guangxi Province, known for its striking karst landscapes and important historical trade routes, is depicted here in remarkable detail. The map highlights the province’s topography, including mountain ranges, rivers, and towns, all meticulously engraved and labeled in Latin. It also captures key trade connections and cultural significance, as Guangxi historically served as a bridge between China and Southeast Asia. The decorative cartouche at the top left is adorned with figures in traditional Chinese costumes, symbolizing the cultural richness of the region and adding artistic elegance to the map. This map was engraved using the copperplate technique, known for its ability to produce fine, detailed lines. The hand-coloring further enhances the visual impact, clearly distinguishing territorial divisions and natural features. Blaeu’s reputation for both accuracy and artistry is evident in this piece, making it a collector’s item of historical and aesthetic significance. Guangxi Province, historically referred to as "Qvangsii," is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, unique karst landscapes, and cultural diversity. It is famous for its dramatic limestone formations, verdant hills, and picturesque rivers, making it one of the most visually striking regions in China. Guangxi has historically been a significant trade corridor between China and Southeast Asia, contributing to its cultural and economic importance. It is also home to various ethnic minority groups, including the Zhuang, Miao, and Dong, whose traditions and festivals enrich the region's cultural tapestry. Important places in Guangxi include Guilin, known for its iconic karst mountains and the Li River, which has inspired poets and artists for centuries. Yangshuo, a town near Guilin, is celebrated for its stunning natural scenery and outdoor activities. Nanning, the provincial capital, is an important economic and cultural hub. The Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the Dragon’s Backbone, are an engineering marvel and a popular tourist destination. Beihai, a coastal city, is known for its silver beaches and maritime trade history. Keywords for this map include 17th-century China map, Guangxi Province, Qvangsii map, antique Chinese maps...

Antique map titled 'Basse Partie de la Basse Saxe ou sont les Duchés de Sleswick, Holsace, Meckelenbourg et Lauvenbourg (..)'. Original old map of northern Germany, including Schlesw...

Claudius Ptolemy was a mathematician, astronomer and geographer who worked in Alexandria, then a part of the Roman Empire, in the 2nd century AD. One of the most learned and influent...

Antique map titled 'Royaume de Navarre (..)'. Decorative map of the province Navarre (Spanish: Navarra) in Northern Spain centered on the city of Pamplona. Published by N. Sanson, 16...

Antique map titled 'Guineae Nova Descriptio.' This very decorative map shows the West African coast from Senegal (the 'Rio Senega' is the Senegal River) to Cape Lopez on the Gulf...

This original antique map, titled 'Nigritarum Regnum' (The Kingdom of the Black People), was produced by the renowned Dutch cartographer Johannes Janssonius and published in 'Joannis...

Title: 1616 Petrus Bertius Map of Arakan and Pegu in Southeast Asia Description: This early seventeenth-century map, titled Descriptio Arachan et Pegu, was published in 1616 by P...

Italia Antiqua Philippo Cluvero – 1603 Hondius Map of Ancient Italy with Hand Color This stunning early 17th-century map, *Italia Antiqua Philippo Cluvero Borusso Designatore*, wa...

Title: Map of Groningen from "The Genealogy of the Illustrious Counts of Nassau" (1615) Description: This antique map, titled "Gronenga," offers a detailed depiction of the forti...

1625 Petrus Plancius / Johannes Cloppenburg Map of the Holy Land with Biblical Vignettes This exquisite 1625 map by Petrus Plancius and Johannes Cloppenburg represents the Holy Lan...

Plan of Fort Mardyck (Fort Mardijk) and surroundings by Sébastian de Pontault Beaulieu. Mardyck is a former commune in the Nord department in northern France. It is an associated com...

Title: Early Woodcut Map of Franconia and Surrounding Regions, 1628 Franconia (Franckenlande) is a region in Germany. Historically, Franconia was a significant part of the Holy Roma...

Original antique map titled 'Westphalia Ducatus'. Fine map of the Duchy of Westphalia, Germany. The map is centered on Meschede and includes Arensberg, Beelick, and Brilon. Published...

Map of Blaisois by Janssonius, 1633, Decorative Antique Map of Loire Valley This finely detailed and colorfully embellished map titled 'Description du Blaisois' was published in 163...

Map of Le Maine by H. Hondius, 1633, Hand-Colored, Decorative and Historic This rare and beautifully executed antique map titled 'Le Maine' was published in 1633 by Henricus Hondius...

Antique map titled 'Pas kaart van de Noord Kust van Espaniola (..)'. Beautiful sea chart of the northern part of Hispaniola, western Cuba. The map includes the Turks & Caicos Islands and southern part of the Bahamas. Shows Guanahami or S. Salvador. Guanahani is an island in the Bahamas that was the first land in the New World sighted and visited by Christopher Columbus' first voyage, on October 12, 1492. It is not known precisely which island it was, and several theories have been put forth by historians. Guanahani is the native Taíno name; Columbus called it San Salvador. Originates from 'De Nieuwe Groote Lightende Zee-Fakkel'. Published by J. van Keulen, circa 1684. The Van Keulens were a family of chartmakers and publishers. The firm, In de Gekroonde Lootsman (In the Crowned Pilot), was founded in 1678 by Johannes van Keulen (1654-1715). Van Keulen originally registered his business as a vendor of books and instruments (specifically cross-staffs). In 1680, however, he gained a privilege from the States of Holland and West Friesland for the publication of pilot guides and sea atlases. In that year, van Keulen released his Zee-Atlas (Sea Atlas), which secured him a name in the competitive maritime publishing market. In 1681, he published the first volume of Nieuwe Lichtende Zee-Fakkel (New Shining Sea Torch). This would be the first of an eventual five volumes originally published between 1680 and 1684. A sixth volume was added in 1753. The Zee-Fakkel won van Keulen lasting fame. The atlas had charts compiled by Claes Jansz Vooght and artwork from Jan Luyken...

Antique map titled 'L'Empire du Grand Mogol'. Old map of India and Central Asia. The map extends from Persia in the West to Lake Chimay and the Bay of Bengal...

Circa 1691 Frederick de Wit Map: Middle East with Arabia, Persia & More This exquisite hand-colored map, circa 1691, by Frederick de Wit, illustrates the Middle East, spanning from Turkey and Egypt to Afghanistan, with a detailed representation of the Arabian Peninsula. The map's detailing in Arabia is based on Nicolas Sanson's influential 1654 map, which was one of the most accurate and detailed depictions of the region up to the mid-seventeenth century. The decorative title cartouche is richly adorned with images of exotic figures, animals, and a merchant ship, symbolizing the region's historical trade importance. Additionally, a mapmaker is shown working with traditional tools, adding a touch of authenticity to the cartographic art. This is the fourth state of the map, published between 1691 and 1696. The map measures 21.8 inches in width by 18.5 inches in height, featuring a sharp impression, with minimal staining and a carefully repaired centerfold separation at the bottom. Keywords: - Middle East historical map - Frederick de Wit map - 17th century maps - Arabian Peninsula map - Persia (Iran) map - Turkey and Egypt map...

Title: Hand-Colored 17th-Century Map of Orléanais by Frederik De Wit c. 1688 Description: This beautifully crafted map, "Gouvernement General du Pays Orléanois," illustrates the Orl...

Antique miniature map titled 'Turcicum Imperium'. Rare miniature map of the Turkish Empire. This map originates from 'Tabularum Geographicarum Contractarum Libri septem (..)' by P. B...

Antique map titled 'Holy Island, Staples and Barwick.' A map of the coast of Northumberland, England. This map includes Holy Island, Buckton, Sunderland and the Farne Islands. Th...

Title: 1620 Ptolemy and Magini Map of Taprobana (Sumatra) with Elephant Inset, Italian Edition Description: This rare and beautifully hand-colored 1620 map engraving, Tavola Duode...

1692 Jacques Peeters Map: East Indies, Indonesia & Japan with Unique Inset This hand-colored map from 1692, created by Jacques Peeters, captures the islands of Indonesia, the Philippines, and features a unique inset of Japan. It closely resembles Nicolas de Fer's map and is primarily based on Sanson's influential maps. The map meticulously details cities, smaller settlements, rivers, mountain chains, and forests, offering a comprehensive view of the region's geography. The inset map of Japan stands out due to its distinctive shape and influences, reflecting different cartographic sources. Notable features include the marked equator and detailed latitude and longitude indications on the borders. The map measures 6.5 inches in width by 5.5 inches in height and is in excellent condition, with a dark impression, slight toning, and a minor centerfold crease. Keywords: - East Indies map - Indonesia historical map - Philippines map...

Thraciae Veteris Typus – 1618 Ortelius Map of Ancient Thrace with Hand Color This striking early 17th-century map, Thraciae Veteris Typus, was published in 1618 by Abraham Orteliu...

Globe gore by Vincenzo Maria Coronelli shows the North Pole with the coasts of Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia and Siberia, and is decorated with pictorial scenes of bear, seal and wh...

Antique map Europe titled 'Europam sive Celticam Veterem'. Rare map of Celtic Europe. Made after A. Ortelius, originates from 'Introductionis in uni...

Antique map titled 'Natoliae quae olim Asia Minor nova descriptio'. Original antique map of Asia Minor, Cyprus, and the eastern Mediterranean. Originally published on one sheet toget...

Antique map titled 'Ins. Ceilan quae incolis Tenarisin dicitur'. This exquisite, early map of Sri Lanka is shown with an unusual five-sided shape. North is oriented to the left by an...

Title: Territorium Francofurtens – Moses Pitt’s 17th-Century Map of Frankfurt Description: This rare 17th-century map, titled Territorium Francofurtens, was published by Moses ...

Circa 1686 Daniel Stoopendaal Map: Biblical Sites from Paradise to Canaan This circa 1686 hand-colored map by Daniel Stoopendaal, titled "De Gelegentheyt van 't Paradys en 't Landt Canaan," beautifully illustrates the Middle East, extending from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf. The map features numerous Biblical locations, such as the Garden of Eden, the wanderings of the Children of Israel, and the story of Jonas and the whale. It is adorned with elaborate decorations, including a banner-style title cartouche and four corner vignettes depicting scenes from Genesis: Paradise, the creation of Adam and Eve, Eve offering the apple, and their expulsion from Eden. The bottom center showcases a dramatic portrayal of Noah's Ark. Measuring 18.3 inches wide by 11.9 inches high, this first state map includes Dutch text on the reverse and is in good condition, with a crisp impression, light toning along the centerfold, and a small chip in the bottom margin. Keywords: - Daniel Stoopendaal map - Biblical map - Garden of Eden - Land of Canaan - Middle East historical map - Noah's Ark map - Adam and Eve - 17th-century Bible...

Antique map titled 'Jerusalem.' Plan of the ancient city of Jerusalem. With extensive key and scale. Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engravers: Made by 'Cornelis de...

Antique map titled 'Typus Frisiae Orientalis.' Map of East Friesland and the area around Emden and Norden. Large inset map of the mouth of the Amasis River. The map is decorated with a large title cartouche and two large coats of arms...

Title: New Description of the Duchy of Burgundy - Frederik De Wit c. 1688 Description: This exquisite map of the Duchy of Burgundy, published after 1688, is a fascinating example of...

Title: 17th-Century Antique Map of Nanjing Province, China – "Nanking sive Kiangnan" by Blaeu, with Decorative Details Description: This captivating 17th-century map of Nanjing Pr...

Antique map titled 'Natoliae sive Asia Minor'. Original old map of Turkey, Asia Minor and Cyprus. Includes a decorative cartouches, sailing ship, sea mon...

Antique map titled 'Le Duche de Pomeranie divise en ses Principales Parties (..)'. Large map of Pomerania. Pomerania is a historical region on the southern shore of the Baltic Sea in...

Antique map titled 'Isole dell' Indie, diuise in Filippine, Molucche e della Sonda'. Old map of the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Northern Australia and contiguous i...

Title: Provence Map - Hand-Colored 17th-Century Engraving by Frederik De Wit c. 1688 Description: This captivating map, "Gouvernement de Provence," depicts the Provence region of so...

1654 Nicolas Sanson Map of Southern India and Southeast Asia - Partie Meridionale de L'Inde This 1654 map by Nicolas Sanson, titled "Partie Meridionale de L'Inde en deux Presqu'Is...

17th-Century Antique Map of Fujian Province, China – "Fokien" by Blaeu, with Decorative Cartouches Description: This stunning 17th-century map of Fujian Province, historically ref...

Antique 17th-Century Map of Shanxi Province, China – "Xansi" by Blaeu, with Artistic Cartouches Description: This beautifully engraved map of Shanxi Province, historically referred to as "Xansi," was created by Johannes Blaeu in 1655 as part of his renowned *Novus Atlas Sinensis*. This atlas was the first comprehensive Western collection focused on Chinese geography, produced with the guidance of Jesuit missionary Martino Martini. Blaeu’s attention to detail and artistic flair are evident in this representation of Shanxi, highlighting mountains, rivers, cities, towns, and key geographic features. The Great Wall of China, an iconic landmark, is also depicted. The map includes decorative cartouches that enhance its aesthetic appeal. The upper-left corner features the map's title framed in an ornate design, while the lower-right corner showcases a seated figure in traditional Chinese attire alongside a small globe, symbolizing the merging of European cartographic expertise and Chinese knowledge. Each city and geographic feature is labeled in Latin, making it a fascinating historical artifact of cross-cultural exploration. This map was crafted using the copperplate engraving technique, prized for its ability to produce fine, precise details. It is further embellished with hand-coloring, which brings the landscape and decorative elements to life. Blaeu’s maps are highly regarded for their accuracy, artistry, and historical significance, making this piece a valuable collectible. Shanxi Province, historically referred to as "Xansi," is renowned for its historical significance, natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The region has been a crucial center of Chinese history and culture for centuries. Its name, meaning "West of the Mountains," refers to its location west of the Taihang Mountains. Shanxi has long been known for its coal resources, which have made it an important economic hub in modern times. Important places in Shanxi include Pingyao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved ancient city walls and traditional Chinese architecture. The Yungang Grottoes, near Datong, are another UNESCO site, famous for their intricate Buddhist carvings and statues. Mount Wutai, one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, is a significant religious site that attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. Taiyuan, the provincial capital, is known for its historical sites, including the Jinci Temple. Shanxi is also known for its role in the early development of Chinese banking, particularly during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Keywords include antique map of Shanxi, Xansi map, Pingyao, Yungang Grottoes, Mount Wutai, 17th-century China map...

Title: 17th-Century Map of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem by Melchior Tavernier Description: This rare 17th-century map by Melchior Tavernier illustrates the geographical ext...

Title: Rare Hand-Colored 17th-Century Map of Dauphiné by Frederik De Wit c. 1688 Description: This captivating 17th-century map of Dauphiné, titled "Nova et Accurata Delphinatus Vul...

Antique map titled 'Totius Lemovici et Confinium (..).' - A handsome and detailed map of Limousin/Limoges, prepared by the well-known engraver, Petrus Kaerius. With an insert view ...

Antique map titled 'Imperii Sinarum Nova Descriptio'. Beautiful map of China and Korea, much detail troughout the map. Including the Islands of Formosa (Taiwan) and Hainan. The Great...

Title: 17th-Century Antique Map of Hunan and Hubei Provinces, China – "Hvqvang" by Blaeu, Richly Detailed and Illustrated Description: This beautiful 17th-century map of the regions that now comprise Hunan and Hubei Provinces, historically referred to as "Hvqvang," was created by Johannes Blaeu and published in 1655 as part of the *Novus Atlas Sinensis*. This map, drawn with input from Jesuit missionary Martino Martini, provides a meticulous representation of central China’s geography, capturing its rivers, towns, and mountainous terrain. The Yangtze River (Changjiang) is prominently featured, emphasizing the region’s importance as a vital waterway for trade and transportation. Wuhan, now a modern metropolis, and Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, were historically significant cities that appear on the map. The area is also notable for its fertile lands and contributions to China’s agricultural prosperity, particularly in rice and tea production. The decorative cartouche in the lower-right corner features two figures in traditional Chinese attire standing amid bamboo, symbolizing the cultural and natural richness of the region. Blaeu’s map combines precision and artistry, with vibrant hand-coloring distinguishing boundaries and geographical features. The copperplate engraving ensures fine detail, making this map a remarkable historical artifact. Condition: Near excellent. Clean impression with vivid hand-coloring. Wide margins with minor age-toning appropriate for its age. Framing Tips: Use a neutral double mat and a gilt or dark wood frame to enhance the presentation. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the vivid hand-coloring and intricate engraving details. Hunan and Hubei, historically referred to as "Hvqvang," are known for their strategic location along the Yangtze River and their cultural and economic significance in Chinese history. The region’s fertile lands have supported extensive rice cultivation, earning it the title of one of China’s "breadbaskets." Hubei, with Wuhan at its center, has long been a hub of transportation and trade, owing to the convergence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers. Hunan, with Changsha as its capital, is known for its rich cultural heritage and contributions to Chinese literature and art. Important places in the region include Wuhan, an ancient trade center, and Changsha, known for its historical sites and cultural prominence. The Yangtze River, a key feature on the map, highlights the region’s historical importance as a major waterway for commerce and agriculture. Other notable features include Dongting Lake, a vital ecological and cultural landmark, and the surrounding mountainous areas that have shaped the region’s history and development. Keywords: antique map of Hunan, Hubei map, Hvqvang map, Yangtze River map, 17th-century Chinese map...

Title: 17th-Century Antique Map of Jiangxi Province, China – "Kiangsi" by Blaeu, Detailed and Vibrantly Colored Description: This detailed 17th-century map of Jiangxi Province, historically referred to as "Kiangsi," was created by Johannes Blaeu and published in 1655 as part of the *Novus Atlas Sinensis*. Jiangxi, located in southeastern China, is known for its cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and significant contributions to Chinese history. The map meticulously charts Jiangxi’s geography, including mountain ranges, rivers, and cities, with place names rendered in Latin. Poyang Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in China, is prominently depicted, emphasizing the region’s ecological and economic importance. The map also highlights key cities such as Nanchang, the provincial capital, which has long been a cultural and political center, and Jingdezhen, globally famous as the center of Chinese porcelain production. The decorative cartouche in the lower-right corner features traditional Chinese figures, adding cultural depth to the map. Blaeu’s craftsmanship is evident in the precise copperplate engraving and the vibrant hand-coloring, which enhances the boundaries and natural features, making this map both a functional document and a work of art. Condition: Nearly excellent. Sharp impression with vivid hand-coloring. Wide margins with minor age-toning appropriate for its age. Framing Tips: Use a neutral double mat and an ornate gilt or dark wood frame to highlight the map’s historical and artistic value. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the hand-coloring and intricate details. Jiangxi, historically referred to as "Kiangsi," is famous for its rich cultural history, stunning landscapes, and economic contributions. It has been a key region for porcelain production, with Jingdezhen renowned as the "Porcelain Capital" of the world. Poyang Lake, featured prominently on the map, is vital for fishing, transportation, and its ecological significance. The province’s location along the Gan River has historically made it an important transportation corridor. Nanchang, the provincial capital, is noted for its historical landmarks and political significance in modern Chinese history. Keywords include: antique map of Jiangxi, Kiangsi map, Poyang Lake, Jingdezhen porcelain, 17th-century China map...

Antique map titled 'Partie de la Coste de Barbarie en Africque ou sont les Royaumes de Tunis et Tripoli et Pays Circomvoisins'. This map depicts North Africa with Malta and originate...

Antique map titled 'Gastinois et Senonois'. Old map of the region of Étampes and Sens, France. It shows the cities of Sens, Melun, Étampes, Orleans, Fontainebleau, Montargis and othe...

This map, titled 'Royaume des Amazones', was created by Alain Manesson Mallet and published in 1684 in a German edition of *Beschreibung des Gantzen Welt-Kreisses*, a renowned work d...

The map titled "Ducatus olim Episcopatus Bremensis et ostiorum Albis et Visurgis Fluviorum novissima Descriptio" by Johannes Janssonius provides a rich historical and geographical il...

Antique map titled 'Albis Fluvius Germaniae celebris A Fontiubus Ad Ostia, Cum Fluminibus ab utroque latere in illum fluenibus descriptus'. Detailed map of the course of the Albis Ri...

Attractive and early map of the area around Venice, Italy. With South-Tirol in the North, areas of Krain (Slovenia), Croatia, Ferrara, Modena and Piacenza. In the east with areas aro...

Title: Rare Hand-Colored Map of Lorraine and Barrois by Frederik De Wit c. 1688 Description: This remarkable 17th-century map, titled "Generalis Lotharingiae Ducatus," offers a deta...