Rare Old Map of Asia by Visscher, 1690: Middle East, East Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history with the 'Asiae nova delineatio', an exquisite map that offers a comprehensive portrayal of Asia as perceived in the 17th century. Crafted by the esteemed mapmaker Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690, this map stands as a testament to the cartographic precision and artistic flair of the Dutch Golden Age. The full name of the map translates to 'New Depiction of Asia', a fitting title for a piece that offers a captivating blend of geographical knowledge and historical insight. From the Middle East to East Asia, Central Asia to South Asia, and Southeast Asia, the map provides a sweeping overview of the continent's diverse regions and political divisions.

The 'Asiae nova delineatio' is more than just a map; it's a window into a bygone era. It showcases the political divisions of the time, giving viewers a glimpse into the intricate web of territories that once spanned the Asian continent. The map extends west to Turkey and Egypt, capturing the expansive reach of Asia's influence, and southeast to the top edge of Australia, hinting at the burgeoning exploration of the southern hemisphere. Waterways, canals, lakes, and mountains are all meticulously depicted, reflecting the natural topography of the region.

Adding to the map's allure are the decorative cartouches and a compass rose, elements that were typical of the period's cartographic style. The hand-colored outline engraving enhances the visual appeal of the map, while the relief shown pictorially adds depth and dimension. The map is dedicated to "Spectatmo Consultmoque. Viro D. Henrico Spiegel ...", a significant figure of the time, further cementing its historical value.

In essence, the 'Asiae nova delineatio' is a treasure trove of historical and geographical knowledge. It is not merely a decorative piece, but a conversation starter, a source of intrigue, and a portal to the past. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of maps, or simply someone who appreciates the fusion of art and knowledge, this map is sure to captivate your imagination and spark your curiosity. Its intricate details, historical significance, and artistic elegance make it a valuable addition to any collection.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Middle East: - Baghdad (Iraq): Known as the "City of Peace", it was a significant center of the Islamic Golden Age. - Jerusalem (Israel): A city of great religious significance, known as Al-Quds in Arabic. - Istanbul (Turkey): Known as Constantinople until 1930, it was the capital of the Ottoman Empire. - Cairo (Egypt): Known as Al-Qāhirah, it was the seat of the Mamluk Sultanate. - Damascus (Syria): One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

East Asia: - Beijing (China): Known as Peking, it was the capital of the Ming and Qing dynasties. - Tokyo (Japan): Known as Edo during the Tokugawa shogunate. - Seoul (South Korea): Known as Hanyang during the Joseon dynasty. - Osaka (Japan): A significant economic center during the Edo period. - Hangzhou (China): Known for its historic relics and natural beauty.

Central Asia: - Samarkand (Uzbekistan): Known as Maracanda in the ancient times, it was a major city on the Silk Road. - Bukhara (Uzbekistan): A center of trade, scholarship, culture, and religion. - Kabul (Afghanistan): Known as Kubha in ancient times, it was a strategic location along the trade routes. - Tashkent (Uzbekistan): Known as Chach in ancient times, it was a hub on the Silk Road. - Herat (Afghanistan): Known as Aria in ancient times, it was a significant city in the Timurid Empire.

South Asia: - Delhi (India): The capital of several empires in Indian history. - Agra (India): Home to the Taj Mahal, it was the capital of the Mughal Empire. - Lahore (Pakistan): Known as Lavapuri in ancient times, it was the capital of the Sikh Empire. - Dhaka (Bangladesh): Known as Jahangir Nagar, it was a major center of the Mughal Empire. - Colombo (Sri Lanka): Known as Kolon Thota, it was a key port on ancient maritime trade routes.

Southeast Asia: - Bangkok (Thailand): Known as Ayutthaya, it was the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. - Hanoi (Vietnam): Known as Thăng Long, it was the capital of the Đại Việt. - Jakarta (Indonesia): Known as Batavia under Dutch colonial rule. - Manila (Philippines): Known as Maynilà, it was a major center of Spanish colonial rule. - Yangon (Myanmar): Known as Dagon, it was a significant port city.

Notable Natural Phenomena: - Himalayas: The highest mountain range in the world, home to Mount Everest. - Gobi Desert: The largest desert region in Asia. - Yangtze River: The longest river in Asia. - Mekong River: Known for its biodiversity, it flows through multiple Southeast Asian countries. - Dead Sea: The lowest point on the surface of the Earth.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690): - The Siege of Osaka (1614-1615): The last major conflict of the Sengoku period in Japan. - The Fall of the Ming Dynasty (1644): Marked the end of the Ming Dynasty and the beginning of the Qing Dynasty in China. - The Treaty of Nerchinsk (1689): The first treaty between Russia and China, defining their border.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (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 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

The labels on this map are very small at 12x16in (30.5x41cm). The map is still very attractive, but you may struggle to read the smallest letters. Please buy a larger map if it's important to be able to read the map easily.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps of Europe and European cities to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.