Rare Old Map of Bali by Schley, 1770: Ville de Baly, Palaces, Compass Roses, Mountains, Rivers

The "Ile de Baly ou Petite Java" map, crafted by the esteemed Jacob Van Schley in 1770, is a captivating glimpse into the cartographic artistry of the 18th century. Schley, renowned for his detailed and artistic maps, published this piece in Amsterdam, capturing the allure of Bali during a time when European explorers were charting the exotic East Indies. The map is a testament to the Age of Discovery, reflecting the era's thirst for knowledge and adventure, and it stands as a beautiful relic of European exploration in Southeast Asia.

This map is a masterpiece of design, featuring intricate compass roses and artistic embellishments that are characteristic of the period. It draws inspiration from an earlier map by Willem Lodewijcksz, who participated in Cornelius de Houtman's pioneering voyage to the East Indies between 1595 and 1597. The detailed representation of Bali's geography, including its coastal outlines, mountains, and rivers, offers a fascinating look at how the island was perceived by European explorers of the time.

Significant political and cultural landmarks are meticulously marked, with the palaces of the King prominently displayed, indicating the island's centers of power. The inclusion of a key or legend provides clarity to the map's rich tapestry of place names and features, while illustrations of a palace and a temple add a layer of visual intrigue. These elements not only enhance the map's aesthetic appeal but also serve as historical markers of Bali's significance in trade and exploration.

The map's depiction of Bali, known then as "Petite Java," highlights the island's strategic importance in the region. It features several towns and settlements, such as Ville de Baly and Cap de Perrue, each marked with care and precision. These settlements, along with the detailed physical geography, paint a vivid picture of the island as it was understood by Europeans in the 18th century, showcasing Bali's allure and mystique.

In essence, this map is more than just a navigational tool; it is a window into a world of exploration and cultural exchange. It captures the imagination with its blend of artistry and historical context, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Bali's past. For collectors and enthusiasts of historical cartography, Jacob Van Schley's map is a treasure that embodies the spirit of discovery and the enduring allure of distant lands.

Cities and towns on this map

• Bali:
• Ville de Baly
• Cap de Perrue
• Debruit de Baly
• Debruit de Ballabhaan
• Cordisan
• Capua
• Condan

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Palaces of the King: Multiple palaces are marked, indicating political centers.
• Compass Roses: Decorative compass roses are included for navigation.
• Illustrations: Includes illustrations of a palace and a temple, adding visual interest.
• Geographic Features: Coastal outlines, mountains, and rivers are depicted.
• Key/Legend: Provides names for important locations and features.

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1770
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Jacob Van Schley, known for detailed and artistic maps.
• Historical context: Based on a map from the late 17th century by Willem Lodewijcksz, linked to Cornelius de Houtman's voyage to the East Indies (1595-97).
• Themes and topics: Reflects European exploration and mapping of Southeast Asia during the Age of Discovery.
• Design/Style: Detailed cartographic representation with artistic embellishments typical of the 18th century.
• Significance: Illustrates European interest in Southeast Asia and the importance of Bali in trade and exploration.

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 40in (100cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.