European Map Appraisal

Framed Map of Czechoslovakia (Stylized)

This item is a framed piece featuring a stylized map of what appears to be the former Czechoslovakia, or a portion thereof. The map shape, with its distinctive elongated form, strongly suggests this geographical region. The background of the map is designed with the colors of the Czechoslovak flag: a blue triangle on the left, a white stripe across the top, and a red stripe across the bottom. The map itself is depited in a lighter, cream or off-white color, contrasted against these flag colors. It is adorned with black outlines for rivers and borders, and various locations are marked with text, likely indicating cities or regions. The artistry appears somewhat naive or folk-art inspired, with hand-drawn elements rather than precise cartographic detail, suggesting it might be a decorative or commemorative piece rather than a functional navigational map. The entire piece is encased in a simple, dark-colored, likely wooden or plastic frame. The frame itself appears to be in good condition, with no obvious major damage from the visible sections. The mounted item is flat, indicating it is likely a print or painting behind glass. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures, suggesting it could be a mass-produced item or an anonymous folk art creation. The overall aesthetic points to a mid to late 20th-century origin, possibly from the period prior to the Velvet Divorce in 1993, when Czechoslovakia was still a unified entity. The colors on the flag portion show some saturation and a hint of age, but no severe fading or damage is discernible from the image. The unique aspect lies in its blend of a national symbol with a geographical representation, making it a potential piece of historical or cultural memorabilia.