Old Map of Middle East and South Asia by Linschoten, 1595

Discover the allure of the 16th century with Jan Huygen van Linschoten's exquisite map, "Orae maritimae Abexie, freri Mecani al Maris Rubri Arabiae." Created in 1595, this masterpiece is one of the earliest maps to accurately delineate the regions of India and Arabia. Linschoten, a pioneering Dutch cartographer, played a crucial role in unveiling the secrets of Portuguese trade and navigation in South Asia, paving the way for Dutch and English colonization. This map is not just a geographical representation but a historical document that encapsulates the essence of an era marked by exploration and discovery.

Linschoten's map is a testament to the detailed and ornate cartographic style of the late 16th century. It features meticulously drawn coastal features, maritime routes, and navigational aids such as compass roses and rhumb lines. The map is rich in annotations and decorative elements, including illustrations of ships and sea creatures, which add a touch of artistry to its scientific precision. This blend of functionality and aesthetics makes it a captivating piece for any collector or history enthusiast.

The map covers a vast expanse, including India, Arabia, West Africa, the East Indies, and parts of the New World such as Florida, the Caribbean, and Brazil. It highlights significant trade hubs and navigation routes that were crucial during the Age of Exploration. The detailed depiction of these regions provides invaluable insights into the geopolitical landscape of the time, making it a vital resource for understanding the historical context of European colonization efforts.

One of the most striking features of this map is its detailed representation of bodies of water such as the Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and the Ganges River Delta. The inclusion of various unnamed mountain ranges and coastal landmarks further enhances its geographical accuracy. The map's ability to capture both the physical and political landscapes of the regions it depicts is a testament to Linschoten's cartographic prowess.

Historically, this map is significant not only for its accuracy but also for its role in disseminating knowledge about Portuguese navigation and trade. It served as a crucial tool for European powers seeking to expand their influence in Asia. The map's detailed annotations and labels provide a wealth of information about the regions it covers, making it an indispensable artifact for historians and collectors alike. Owning this map is like holding a piece of history, a window into a world that shaped the course of modern civilization.

Countries and regions on this map

• India
• Arabia
• West Africa
• East Indies
• New World (including Florida, the Caribbean, and Brazil)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Decorative compass rose
• Illustrations of ships and sea creatures
• Maris Mediterranei Pars (Mediterranean Sea)
• Mare Arabicvm et Indicvm (Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean)
• Golfo de Bengala (Bay of Bengal)
• Sinus Gangeticus (Ganges River Delta)
• Various unnamed mountain ranges depicted in the regions of Arabia and India
• Maritime routes indicated by rhumb lines
• Numerous historical annotations and labels
• Illustrations of coastal features and landmarks

Historical and design context

• Created in 1595 by Jan Huygen van Linschoten
• One of the earliest maps to accurately depict India and Arabia
• Played a crucial role in unveiling Portuguese trade and navigation secrets in South Asia
• Detailed and ornate cartographic style typical of the late 16th century
• Includes navigational aids such as compass roses and rhumb lines
• Rich in annotations and decorative elements
• Significant for its role in disseminating knowledge about Portuguese navigation and trade
• Contributed to the European colonization efforts in Asia

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 every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

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

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps 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.

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.

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 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.