Antique chromolithograph of the Dieng Plateau in Central Java. In ancient times, the plateau was considered the abode of the gods, hence “Di Hyang” (realm of the gods) became “Dieng.” Originally there may have been hundreds of Hindu temples but only eight survive to the present day. In the lithograph, six can be seen peeking from the tall grass. The plateau also experiences frost a few times a year due to its height of 2.060 meters above sea level.

Published in Leiden, the Netherlands, after a water drawing by J.C. Rappard,

Jhr. Josias Cornelis Rappard (1824-1898) was a colonel in the KNIL and a painter. During his posting in the Netherlands Indies 1842-1872, he painted and drew pictures of life and scenes in the Indies that were later, back in Leiden, The Netherlands, would be made into chromolithographs. The Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam holds a large number of these prints and collectors all over the world appreciate Rappard's classic watercolours.

Chromolithography was a popular method for colour printing in the 19th century because of its lower cost and relative ease to mass-produce. The process involves the use of stones and a chemical process to fasten images to the paper. High-end chromolithographs are hand-finished by an artist after the process to ensure the best possible fidelity in each copy.

This lithograph is part of a series, view all by clicking HERE