Straits, Archipelagos & Frontiers — Southeast Asia Wall Map (1955)
A poised mid-century snapshot of a region in transition. Published by National Geographic in September 1955—alongside “This Young Giant, Indonesia”—this richly detailed sheet surveys Southeast Asia just after the Korean War and before the Vietnam conflict. Political boundaries, capitals and cities, and the intricate coastlines and island chains are rendered in clean, legible cartography that rewards both room-distance viewing and close study.
More Than a Map – A Testament to History
This isn’t just wall art—it’s the maritime crossroads of Asia at a pivotal moment. Trace archipelagos, straits, and shipping approaches, follow river systems and ranges, and read period administrative lines across mainland and island Southeast Asia. Ideal for educators, historians, designers, travellers, and collectors, it pairs beautifully with the 1968 Southeast Asia map for a time-spanning display.
Hang it in studios, libraries, classrooms, museums, offices, or at home to invite reflection, study, and conversation.
Premium Materials & Finishes
We treat history with the respect it deserves. That’s why we offer multiple formats, each produced using high-quality materials and modern archival printing.
🌟 Archival Paper Print
Printed on heavyweight 160gsm archival-grade paper.
Smooth matte finish reduces glare and preserves fine linework and labels.
Ideal for framing under glass—clean, timeless, and built to last.
💎 Laminated Edition
Encapsulated in two sheets of 80-micron gloss laminate using true thermal bonding—not just surface lamination.
Moisture-resistant, wipe-clean surface—perfect for classrooms and high-traffic reference spaces.
Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered rails with a fitted hanging cord—ready to display. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)
🏆 Museum-Quality Canvas
Printed on heavyweight 395gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas for rich texture and exceptional strength.
Pigment-based, fade-resistant inks deliver deep tone and crisp typography that endure for generations.
Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered to enhance the wood grain; top cord for effortless hanging—elegant in any setting. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Southeast Asia Wall Map |
| Series | National Geographic single-sheet regional overview |
| Original Publication | 1955 (September) |
| Scale | 1:6,000,000 |
| Cartographic Content | Political boundaries; capitals & cities; coasts & archipelagos; rivers; relief & hydrography |
| Map Size | 888 mm (W) × 759 mm (H) |
| Available Formats | Paper, Laminated, Canvas |
| Paper Weight | 160gsm archival-quality |
| Laminate | 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate sheets (encapsulated) |
| Canvas Weight | 395gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas |
| Inks | Pigment-based, fade-resistant |
| Optional Hang Rails | Available on Laminated & Canvas (lead time up to 10 working days) |
| Origin | Made in Australia |
Why Choose This Map
✔ Era-True Snapshot: Southeast Asia as charted in 1955, between major postwar shifts.
✔ Maritime Clarity: Straits, island chains, and sea approaches shown with crisp precision.
✔ Decorative & Scholarly: Strong wall presence with genuine reference value.
✔ Collection-Ready: Complements the 1968 Southeast Asia map for before/after context.
✔ Archival Craft: Premium substrates and inks preserve contrast, labels, and linework for decades.
Our Commitment
We believe that preserving history is as important as telling it. Every map is printed locally in Australia using state-of-the-art technology, carefully checked by hand, and packed with care. From the moment it leaves our workshop to the day it hangs on your wall, we ensure quality you can trust and a legacy you’ll be proud to share.
Chart the mid-century crossroads. Order the Southeast Asia (1955) today—a faithful, beautifully produced sheet that turns a room into a conversation.
