Antique chromolithograph of catamarans on a beach in the Indies. Smaller boats like these were used by fishermen all over the Indies to catch the bounties of the ocean. The two rods on the sides of the boat helps stabilise the vessel in the turbulent waters of the East Indies seas. This type of catamaran is most commonly seen in the Moluccas and other eastern provinces, indicating commonality with Pacific Islander boatmaking.

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