Rare Old Map of Sri Lanka by Tallis & Rapkin, 1851: Ceylon, Colombo, Kandy, Temple of Buddha, Ruins of Dagora

The "Map of Ceylon" by John Tallis & Company, engraved by J. Rapkin in 1851, is a stunning example of 19th-century cartography. This map captures the essence of Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, with remarkable detail and artistry. Tallis, one of the last great decorative mapmakers, is celebrated for his exquisite vignettes that adorn the map, depicting indigenous scenes and landmarks. The vignettes include the serene Lake of Kandy, the majestic Adams Peak from the Lake of Colombo, the bustling city of Colombo, the sacred Temple of Buddha in Kalany, and the evocative Ruins of the Dagora at Toopharamaya. These illustrations not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a glimpse into the cultural and natural beauty of Ceylon during the mid-19th century.

John Tallis was renowned for his ability to blend geographic precision with artistic elegance. His maps, engraved for R. Montgomery Martin's Illustrated Atlas, are highly prized by collectors and historians alike. This particular map of Ceylon is no exception, showcasing the island's detailed political and physical features. The map's full hand-coloring and decorative border reflect the high standards of craftsmanship that Tallis was known for. The map's creation in 1851 coincides with a period of increased interest in colonial territories, making it a valuable historical document that sheds light on the geopolitical landscape of the time.

The map meticulously outlines the provinces of Ceylon, delineating borders with precision. It highlights the central mountainous region, including the iconic Adams Peak, a site of pilgrimage and natural wonder. The coastal outlines are clearly marked, along with major rivers and streams that traverse the island. The map also identifies significant landmarks, such as the Temple of Buddha in Kalany and the Ruins of the Dagora at Toopharamaya, which are steeped in historical and cultural significance. These features make the map not only a tool for navigation but also a window into the rich heritage of Ceylon.

Cities and towns are prominently featured on the map, with Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Jaffna, and Trincomalee among the notable settlements. Each city is marked with care, reflecting their importance in the socio-economic fabric of the island. Colombo, the largest city, is depicted with its strategic coastal location, underscoring its role as a major port and commercial hub. Kandy, nestled amidst the central highlands, is shown with its proximity to the Lake of Kandy, highlighting its historical significance as the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka.

This map is more than just a geographical representation; it is a piece of history that captures the essence of Ceylon during a transformative period. The blend of artistic vignettes and precise cartographic details offers a unique perspective on the island's landscape, culture, and history. Owning this map is akin to possessing a time capsule that transports you to the mid-19th century, providing a deeper understanding of Ceylon's past and its enduring legacy.

Cities and towns on this map

• Sri Lanka:
• Colombo (modern-day population: approximately 752,993)
• Kandy (modern-day population: approximately 125,400)
• Galle (modern-day population: approximately 99,478)
• Jaffna (modern-day population: approximately 88,138)
• Trincomalee (modern-day population: approximately 99,135)
• Anuradhapura (modern-day population: approximately 50,595)
• Batticaloa (modern-day population: approximately 92,332)
• Ratnapura (modern-day population: approximately 52,170)
• Badulla (modern-day population: approximately 42,237)
• Matara (modern-day population: approximately 76,254)
• Kurunegala (modern-day population: approximately 30,315)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations:
• Lake of Kandy
• Adams Peak from the Lake of Colombo
• Colombo
• Temple of Buddha in Kalany
• Ruins of the Dagora at Toopharamaya
• Landmarks:
• Adams Peak
• Temple of Buddha in Kalany
• Ruins of the Dagora at Toopharamaya
• Bodies of water:
• Lake of Kandy
• Lake of Colombo
• Borders:
• Provincial borders within Ceylon
• Mountains:
• Central mountainous region (including Adams Peak)
• Other notable features:
• Coastal outlines
• Rivers and streams

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Map of Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
• Creation date: 1851
• Mapmaker/Publisher: John Tallis & Company, engraved by J. Rapkin
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: John Tallis was one of the last great decorative mapmakers. His maps are highly prized for their detailed and artistic vignettes depicting indigenous scenes, people, and landmarks.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Detailed political and physical features of Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
• Decorative vignettes showcasing:
  • Lake of Kandy
  • Adams Peak from the Lake of Colombo
  • Colombo
  • Temple of Buddha in Kalany
  • Ruins of the Dagora at Toopharamaya
• Design or style of the map:
• Full hand-color
• Decorative border and vignettes
• Engraved for R. Montgomery Martin's Illustrated Atlas
• Historical significance or context:
• Provides a glimpse into the geography and landmarks of Ceylon during the mid-19th century
• Reflects the artistic and cartographic style of the period
• Useful for understanding the colonial history and geographic knowledge of the time

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 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.

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.

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 unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps 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.