Antique chromolithograph of a diamond pit in Borneo. Likely depicting a site near Banjarmasin, diamonds are not very common in the Indies though a large diamond mine is known to exist close to Banjarmasin in Southern Borneo. In the lithograph six men can be seen digging pits near the riverside and panning for diamonds. Due to its rarity, hardness, and aesthetic beauty, diamonds were and still are sought after for use in industrial settings and as jewelry.

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