Rare Old Chinese Map of Jerusalem at the Time of Jesus, 1886: Mount of Olives, Stations of the Cross, Jesus' Suffering, Ascension

The "Map of [ancient view] Jerusalem" is a captivating hand-colored lithograph that transports you to the time of Jesus, offering a detailed and artistic depiction of the holy city. Created in 1886 by the Jesuit printers at Tushanwan in Shanghai, this map was designed to help Chinese Christian believers study and venerate the sacred sites associated with Jesus' life and suffering. The map’s Chinese translations of place names provide a unique cultural bridge, making it a fascinating artifact of religious and historical significance.

This map of Jerusalem is not just a visual delight but also a historical treasure, highlighting significant neighborhoods and landmarks from the ancient city. The Mount of Olives, a prominent feature, stands out as a key location where many pivotal events in Jesus' life took place. The map meticulously marks the buildings and places where Jesus suffered and ascended to heaven, offering a spiritual journey through the city’s sacred geography.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this map is the manuscript additions that show the Stations of the Cross. These additions provide a detailed guide for pilgrims and scholars alike, allowing them to trace the steps of Jesus through the city. The map’s artistic depiction of Jerusalem’s districts and landmarks, combined with these manuscript annotations, makes it an invaluable tool for understanding the city’s religious and historical context.

The Jesuit printers of Tushanwan, known for their work from the 1880s to the 1930s, were instrumental in blending religious education with local culture. This map is a testament to their dedication, showcasing their skill in creating detailed and culturally relevant religious artifacts. The Tushanwan print shops not only produced religious books and documents but also trained printers and artists, contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural exchange between the East and the West.

Jerusalem, with its ancient streets and significant landmarks, comes alive in this map, offering a window into its storied past. The detailed illustrations capture the essence of the city, from its bustling neighborhoods to its serene landscapes. This map is more than just a depiction of a city; it is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the heart of one of the world’s most revered and historically rich locations.

Streets and roads on this map

• No streets or roads are specifically labeled on the map.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations:
• Artistic depiction of the city of Jerusalem and surrounding landscape
• Landmarks:
• Mount of Olives
• Various buildings and locations where Jesus suffered and ascended to heaven
• Neighbourhoods:
• Various districts within the ancient city of Jerusalem
• Other notable features:
• Manuscript additions showing the Stations of the Cross

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Map of [ancient view] Jerusalem
• Extra notes:
• Fascinating view of Jerusalem published by a Christian Church Press in China in the 1880s
• Manuscript additions showing Stations of the Cross
• Hand-colored lithographed view of Jerusalem
• Published by Jesuit printers in Tushanwan, Shanghai in 1886
• When the map was made: 1886
• Mapmaker or publisher:
• Created by Ci mu tang 慈母堂
• Produced at a Jesuit printing workshop located in Tushanwan, in the Shanghai suburb of Xujiahui (Zikawei)
• The Tushanwan print shops were active from the 1880s until the 1930s
• Besides printing religious books and documents, they were used to train printers and artists
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Depicts Jerusalem from the time of Jesus
• Shows key locations related to the suffering and ascension of Jesus
• Includes manuscript additions indicating the Stations of the Cross
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• Jerusalem, located in the region of Judea
• Design or style of the map:
• Hand-colored lithograph
• Place names translated into Chinese
• Artistic depiction of the city and surrounding landscape
• Historical significance or context of the map:
• Provides a visual representation of ancient Jerusalem for Chinese Christian believers
• Aids in the study and veneration of the sites associated with Jesus' life and suffering
• Reflects the Jesuit efforts in China to blend religious education with local culture and language

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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x16in (40x40cm) 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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

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 in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) 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).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

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 are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

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 on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.