Tag Archives: vintage maps

Antique Map Reproductions on Handmade Paper

The Story of Handmade Paper – Part Five

As has already been discussed in previous chapters, handmade paper and old maps simply belong with each other. That is why we love handmade paper so much in Kobeica and use it for all our prints. We print reproductions of maps that were, in most cases, originally printed on handmade paper when they were first published. This makes our reproductions very authentic; the handmade paper suits them well. We use a non-bleached mixture of linen and hemp, and this shade gives an ancient look to our vintage maps. As a result, this is a wonderful product that can decorate your wall for many decades to come.

More about handmade paper:

Part One: Early History

Part Two: Technology of Handmade Paper Making

Part Three: Handmade Paper Decline and a Transition Towards Industrial Production

Part Four: Handmade Paper Today

Guangzhou – the Gateway to China

Map of the City of Guangzhou / Canton, 1700.

Given its position at the mouth of the Pearl River, Guangzhou has been an important port and trade hub throughout the centuries. Neighbouring two other giant trade and transportation centres – Macau and Hong Kong – traders from Europe arrived at the end of 17th and the beginning of 18th centuries and gave the city its international spirit. This atmosphere is captured nicely in this city plan from 1700: a busy harbour with a large number of ships coming and going, the symmetrical structure of the houses within the city walls and a second major gate leading inland. Tea was an important subject of trade in the 18th century.

Jason Goodwin’s “A Time for Tea: Travels through China and India in Search for Tea” takes the reader to those places in China connected to this iconic drink including Guangzhou. The history of the city is also depicted through the story of tea.

Buy restored reproduction of this map printed on a high quality handmade paper here.

Handmade Paper Today

The Story of Handmade Paper – Part Four

Paper made of linen, hemp and cotton is still made today. It is a handmade, piece production and that is why handmade paper cannot compete with the industrially produced paper in price or accuracy of the size. Each individual sheet of a handmade paper is unique.

The resulting sheet properties can be affected during production. Different drying methods influence the surface of the paper. The color of the paper is determined by the composition of the pulp, both bleached and unbleached, and can be combined in different ways to achieve the exact shade a customer desires. For decoration, other fibres or dried flowers can be added to the pulp.The use of handmade paper has shifted towards documents of a representative character or towards art and design. It is ideal for graphics, paper installations, and collages. It can be also printed on; because of its unique appearance, it is used as a material for wedding announcements, diplomas or certificates. Invitations and other types of official documents are printed on handmade paper by companies and presidential and government offices.

More about handmade paper:

Part One: Early History

Part Two: Technology of Handmade Paper Making

Part Three: Handmade Paper Decline and a Transition Towards Industrial Production

Part Five: Antique Map Reproductions on Handmade Paper

Scandinavia in 1870s

Map of Scandinavia, 1875.

Norway was in a Union with Sweden at the time this map was released. While the Swedish king was the head of Norway, the country remained fully autonomous. In the second half of the 19th century, the Norwegian shipping and textile industry underwent a large boom.

Finland was a Grand Duchy of the Russian Empire at that time. However, the situation there was similar to its Western neighbours – large investment was made into all sectors of the economy. The famous Finnish company NOKIA was already four years old at the time this map was printed. Unlike today, NOKIA was actually a wood processing company back in 1875.

Buy a restored reproduction of this map printed on a handmade paper here.