Antique chromolithograph of a Rampokan or Staged Tiger Fight in Central Java. Rampokan were high ceremonies in Javanese culture, usually taking place towards the end of Ramadan. During Rampokan several big cats were confined in an arena surrounded by warriors. If the tiger or leopard broke through, it was seen as a bad omen. With the declining population of Javanese big cats, this tradition ended in the early 20th century.

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