Framed and on the wall
Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look, drawn to its real size; it is sold unframed unless the description says otherwise.
Flora and Fauna
Javanese Butterflies, Three Antique Chromolithograph Plates, Java 1908 to 1910
$580
€520 · £435
Original print, not a reproduction
Ships worldwide from the Netherlands, insured and tracked. 14-day returns.
- Date
- 1908
- Sheet size
- 12.8 × 9.8 in (32.5 × 25 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Condition report: Very good condition overall, with only light age toning and occasional minor edge wear typical of the period. The colors remain fresh and vibrant, preserving the visual impact of the original chromolithography.
- Island
- Java
- Collection
- Flora and Fauna
- Period
- Netherlands Indies, 1850 and after
- Stock no.
- f_46593002
- Color
- Printed color
What the condition grades mean
- Excellent
- Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
- Very good
- Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
- Good
- Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
- Fair
- Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Title: Javanese Butterflies, Three Antique Chromolithograph Plates, Java 1908 to 1910
This set of three striking chromolithograph plates features Javanese butterflies in vivid natural detail. They originate from The Rhopalocera of Java (1908 to 1910), a landmark work on the butterflies of the Indonesian island of Java, published in limited numbers and renowned for its exquisite illustrations.
Each plate presents multiple species in lifelike poses, carefully arranged to highlight both dorsal and ventral wing patterns. The butterflies are depicted with remarkable precision, from the iridescent blues and greens of tropical swallowtails to the intricate spots and markings of smaller species. Such plates combined scientific accuracy with aesthetic richness, intended to serve both as reference for entomologists and as collectible works of decorative art.
The Rhopalocera of Java remains a cornerstone in the study of Southeast Asian Lepidoptera, produced during a period of great interest in documenting the biodiversity of the Dutch East Indies. These chromolithographs represent the pinnacle of late 19th- and early 20th-century natural history printing, capturing the brilliance of species that continue to fascinate collectors and scholars alike.
Beyond their scientific importance, these prints hold strong decorative appeal. The vibrant coloration and symmetrical arrangements make them highly suitable for display, whether as a group of three or framed individually. Their Southeast Asian origin adds further exotic appeal for collectors of entomology, colonial-era natural history, or decorative tropical subjects.
Condition report: Very good condition overall, with only light age toning and occasional minor edge wear typical of the period. The colors remain fresh and vibrant, preserving the visual impact of the original chromolithography.
Framing tips: These plates are especially effective when framed as a group. A soft cream or ivory mat paired with a dark wood or black frame creates a classic look, while a double mat with a pale green accent will highlight the butterflies’ natural hues. Arranged in a vertical or horizontal triptych, the set makes an impressive wall display.
Technique: Chromolithograph
Maker: From The Rhopalocera of Java, 1908 to 1910, Java
