Old Map of the Indian Ocean by Du Val, 1665: East Indies, Dutch Voyages, Early Australia

Step into the fascinating world of 17th-century exploration with Pierre Du Val’s masterwork, Carte des Indes Orientales . . . 1665. This extraordinary map, crafted by one of France’s most esteemed cartographers, encapsulates the very spirit of the Age of Discovery. Du Val’s meticulous research and access to the latest Dutch and French sources are evident in every detail, offering a sweeping vision of the Indian Ocean and its surrounding lands at a time when European curiosity and ambition were redrawing the boundaries of the known world.

The map’s scope is breathtaking, stretching from the eastern shores of Africa across the Indian Ocean to the mysterious lands of Australia, Japan, and Maritime Southeast Asia. It is a visual record of both political and physical geography, highlighting the routes and discoveries of Dutch explorers along the coasts of Australia and New Guinea. Rich annotations mark the first European encounters with these lands, immortalizing the voyages of the Duyfken, Endracht, Arnhem, and other legendary ships. Each label is a testament to the era’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and the fierce competition among European powers to chart the unknown.

Du Val’s artistry is unmistakable in the map’s restrained yet sophisticated embellishments. Elegant compass roses guide the viewer’s eye across the seas, while ornamental cartouches—most notably the draped title at the top center—lend a sense of refinement and grandeur. The hydrography is rendered with exquisite care, from the “quilted” regularity of the Maldives to the winding courses of the Ganges and Nile. In the upper right, a delicately drawn Great Wall of China hints at the mapmaker’s appreciation for the marvels of the East, while the Montagnes de la Lune anchor the European imagination of Africa’s mysterious interior.

The map’s historical significance is profound. It captures a pivotal moment when European understanding of the wider world was expanding rapidly, yet still marked by gaps and mythologies. Australia, labeled as “Novvelle Holande partie de la Terre Australe,” appears with a remarkably complete outline for its time, though its interior remains a blank canvas. Dutch discoveries are meticulously recorded, from the Houtmans Abrolhos to Terre d’Antoine Diemens (Tasmania), alongside references to the earliest English shipwreck, the Trial. These details not only illuminate the routes of intrepid mariners but also reveal the competitive secrecy and occasional misinformation that shaped early cartography.

For the discerning collector, Du Val’s Carte des Indes Orientales is more than a map—it is a tangible link to the golden age of exploration and the evolving art of mapmaking. Its blend of scientific precision, artistic elegance, and historical annotation make it a prized artifact for anyone captivated by the stories of discovery that shaped our modern world. Whether displayed as a centerpiece or studied for its wealth of detail, this map stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the unknown and the brilliance of those who dared to chart it.

Countries and regions on this map

• Africa (particularly Eastern and Southern Africa)
• Madagascar
• Arabian Peninsula
• Persia (Iran)
• Mogul Empire (India)
• Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
• China
• Japan
• Korea
• Maritime Southeast Asia (including the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Philippines, and the Indonesian Archipelago)
• Australia (labeled as "Novvelle Holande partie de la Terre Australe")
• New Guinea
• Tasmania ("Terre d’Antoine Diemens")

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Decorative title cartouche at the top center, presented on an elegantly draped cloth
• Compass roses placed at various points across the ocean, providing orientation
• Ornamental trapezoid in the bottom left corner with the mapmaker’s address and date
• Detailed depiction of the Great Wall of China in the upper right corner
• Clearly labeled historical notes about Dutch voyages and encounters with Australia, such as "Terre d'Arnems," "Terre de Wits," "Houtmans Abrolhos," "Terre d'Edels," "Terre de Leuuin," "Terre d'Antoine Diemens," and "Trial"
• Rivers prominently depicted, including the Nile in Africa (originating from two lakes near the Montagnes de la Lune) and the Ganges in South Asia
• Numerous islands, archipelagos, and shoals, including the Maldives, depicted with detailed and regular patterns
• Historical annotations referencing Dutch navigators and ships, including Dirk Hartog, Abel Tasman, Pieter Nuyts, and others
• Labeling of the Mogul Empire in South Asia
• Labeling of the VOC (Dutch East India Company) exploration routes and discoveries along the Australian coast

Historical and design context

• Created by Pierre Du Val, a prominent French cartographer known for his detailed and elegantly decorated maps
• First published in 1665, with a second edition in 1677
• Reflects European geographic knowledge and exploration in the late 17th century, particularly Dutch maritime exploration and encounters with Australia
• Incorporates information from Dutch East India Company (VOC) charts and maps by Melchisédech Thévenot, notably for East Asia
• Elegantly decorated with restrained yet sophisticated embellishments, including compass roses, ornamental cartouches, and decorative drapery for the title
• Themes include maritime exploration, early European contact with Australia, geographic knowledge of Asia and Africa, hydrography, and cartographic artistry
• Captures a pivotal moment when European understanding of the wider world was expanding rapidly, yet still marked by gaps and mythologies

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 90in (230cm). 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.

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.