French Map, Framed

Cartography with a flair for the coast.

This framed map was printed in France in ink on paper. It shows mainland Southeast Asia with the coast curving through the South China Sea, and the islands of the Philippines to the east. Maps of this region were commonly engraved to serve navigators and armchair travelers alike. Fine lines mark coasts and rivers, and small insets fill the corners. The paper has aged to a soft cream in a deep, carved dark wood frame with a white mat.

The frame measures about 16 by 20 inches. A good reason to look at the wall a little longer.