Old Pictorial Map of the Pacific Economy by Covarrubias, 1940: Trade, Resources, Pre-WWII Art

Step into the vibrant world of pre-war Pacific commerce with "Economy of the Pacific," the original 1940 masterpiece by Miguel Covarrubias. This extraordinary pictorial map, conceived for the celebrated Pageant of the Pacific series, was commissioned for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco. Covarrubias, often hailed as "Mexico's Renaissance Man," brings together his talents as a painter, illustrator, and anthropologist to create a map that is as intellectually rich as it is visually captivating. The map's title alone evokes a sweeping vision of global trade, industry, and resourcefulness, encapsulating the dynamism of the Pacific Rim on the eve of monumental historical change.

Covarrubias’s "Economy of the Pacific" is more than a geographic document—it is a thematic tapestry that weaves together the economic lifeblood of an entire region. The map vividly illustrates the principal industries and resources that defined the Pacific world in the early twentieth century, from the gold fields of Alaska to the rice paddies of Southeast Asia, and the bustling fisheries of Japan. Through a lively array of pictorial symbols and hand-drawn annotations, viewers are invited to explore the economic interconnections that spanned continents and oceans, shaping the destinies of nations and peoples.

The map’s design is a masterclass in stylized cartography. Covarrubias employs a pictorial approach, eschewing strict political boundaries in favor of richly detailed illustrations that highlight economic activities and natural resources. Ships laden with goods ply the Pacific’s vast expanse, while vignettes of miners, farmers, and fishermen animate the coasts and islands. Decorative borders and corner illustrations add further depth, transforming the map into a work of art that delights the eye while informing the mind. The map’s projection and composition emphasize the Pacific Ocean as a central stage, drawing together the Americas, Asia, Australasia, and the myriad island cultures in between.

Historically, this map stands as a snapshot of a world on the brink of transformation. Created just before the onset of World War II, "Economy of the Pacific" reflects both the optimism and the complexity of the interwar period. It captures the era’s fascination with progress, resource extraction, and global connectivity, while subtly acknowledging the diversity of peoples and cultures that contributed to the Pacific’s economic mosaic. Covarrubias’s anthropological insight infuses the map with a sense of humanity, making it a valuable artifact for historians, collectors, and anyone with an appreciation for the interplay between art and history.

Owning "Economy of the Pacific" is to possess a rare window into the artistic and intellectual ferment of the late 1930s and early 1940s. Whether displayed in a study, library, or gallery, this map offers endless fascination—inviting viewers to trace the routes of ancient traders, imagine the lives of workers and adventurers, and appreciate the enduring legacy of Covarrubias’s vision. It is a testament to the power of maps not only to chart geography, but to tell the stories of civilizations at the crossroads of change.

Countries and regions on this map

• North America (including Canada, United States, Mexico)
• Central America
• South America (notably the Pacific coast)
• East Asia (including China, Japan, Korea)
• Southeast Asia (including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Indochina)
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Pacific Islands (including Hawaii, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and others)
• Siberia (Russian Far East)
• Alaska

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrated representations of economic activities such as fishing, whaling, mining, agriculture, forestry, and trade
• Pictorial symbols for resources like oil, minerals, timber, rice, sugar, and fish
• Depictions of ships, boats, and sea routes crisscrossing the Pacific Ocean
• Stylized illustrations of workers, farmers, and indigenous peoples engaged in economic activities
• Large, labeled bodies of water: Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea, Coral Sea, Tasman Sea, Sea of Japan, South China Sea, Philippine Sea, and others
• Major mountain ranges illustrated, such as the Andes and the Rockies
• Decorative borders and corner vignettes showing economic scenes or products
• Shipping lanes and trade routes indicated
• Annotations and labels highlighting key products or industries in various regions (e.g., "wheat," "cotton," "gold," "rubber," "pearls")
• Artistic renderings of islands, archipelagos, and coastal features

Historical and design context

• Created by Miguel Covarrubias, a renowned Mexican painter, illustrator, filmmaker, and anthropologist, often referred to as "Mexico's Renaissance Man"
• Originally made in 1940 for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco
• Part of the "Pageant of the Pacific" series, which included six wall-sized maps
• Thematic and pictorial world map focusing on the economic activities and resources of the Pacific region
• Highly stylized, pictorial, and colorful, using illustrations and symbols to represent economic activities, resources, and industries
• Reflects contemporary understanding of Pacific economies before World War II and showcases Covarrubias's unique artistic and anthropological perspective
• Intended for exhibition and public engagement, blending art and information in a visually engaging manner

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my 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 order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

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

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

Almost all of my maps and art prints 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.