Rare Old Map of Java Island by Van Keulen, 1753: Indonesia, Batavia, Sunda Strait, Sea Chart

Step into the world of 18th-century maritime exploration with the exquisite "Insulae Iavae Pars Occidentalis Edente Hadriano Relando . . . Insulae Iavae Pars Orientalis Edente Hadriano Relando," crafted by the esteemed Gerard Van Keulen in 1753. This remarkable sea chart captures the essence of Java and its surrounding islands, from the tip of Sumatra to the lush landscapes of Bali. Van Keulen, a member of a distinguished Dutch cartographic family, was renowned for his intricate and decorative maps that guided explorers through uncharted waters. His work is a testament to the era's spirit of discovery and the Dutch East Indies' pivotal role in global trade.

This map is a masterpiece of navigational artistry, adorned with ten beautifully decorated compass roses and a network of rhumb lines that guide the viewer's eye across the Java Sea. The chart's detailed depth soundings reflect the meticulous care taken to ensure safe passage through these waters. A striking panoramic view of Batavia and the majestic Bangor Mountains graces the top right, offering a glimpse into the bustling harbor life of this vital colonial outpost. The inclusion of a detailed harbor plan of Batavia in the lower left further emphasizes the strategic importance of this city in the Dutch maritime empire.

Java, with its rich tapestry of towns and regions, unfolds across the map, showcasing the island's diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. The western part of the island is labeled as "Het Wester Deel van het Eyland Groot Java," while the eastern portion is marked as "Het Ooster Deel van het Eyland Groot Java." These labels reflect the colonial divisions and administrative regions of the time. The map also highlights significant natural features, such as the Sunda Strait, a crucial maritime passage connecting the Indian Ocean to the Java Sea, underscoring the island's strategic location.

The map's design is a harmonious blend of functionality and beauty, with decorative cartouches and illustrations that capture the imagination. These artistic elements not only serve as navigational aids but also as visual celebrations of the lands they depict. The inclusion of such details reflects Van Keulen's dedication to creating maps that were as informative as they were aesthetically pleasing. This chart, part of Van Keulen's renowned "De Nieuwe Groote Ligtende Zee-Fakkel," is a rare and highly sought-after piece, especially in such exceptional color.

Historically, this map offers a window into the Dutch colonial era, a time when the spice trade and maritime dominance shaped the world's geopolitical landscape. The presence of major cities like Batavia (modern-day Jakarta), Surabaya, and Semarang illustrates the bustling urban centers that were pivotal to the Dutch East Indies' economic power. As a collector's item, this map is not only a stunning work of art but also a valuable historical document that captures the essence of a bygone era, making it a perfect addition to any discerning collection.

Cities and towns on this map

• Jakarta (Batavia)
• Surabaya
• Bandung
• Semarang
• Yogyakarta

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps:
• Detailed plan of the harbor of Batavia.
• Illustrations:
• Panoramic view of Batavia and the Bangor Mountains.
• Bodies of water:
• Java Sea, Sunda Strait.
• Compass roses and rhumb lines:
• Ten decorated compass roses with rhumb lines for navigation.

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1753.
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Gerard Van Keulen, part of a renowned Dutch cartographic family.
• Design and style:
• Decorative cartouches, compass roses, and rhumb lines.
• Historical significance:
• Reflects 18th-century Dutch maritime exploration and colonial interests.
• Part of Van Keulen's series: "De Nieuwe Groote Ligtende Zee-Fakkel."

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 36in (90cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

This map is wider than most maps, which would make it a perfect statement piece above a mantelpiece, sofa or desk.

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.

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.