Mountain Landscape near Kedong Badak, Rare Java Lithograph from 1872

Mountain Landscape near Kedong Badak, Java Lithograph from 1872

This tranquil chromolithograph captures the peaceful countryside near Kedong Badak, along the major colonial road leading to Buitenzorg (now Bogor), West Java. It is plate number 17 from the folio 'Java, naar schilderijen en teekeningen van A. Salm', based on the original paintings by Abram Salm and lithographed with exquisite detail by J.C. Greive Jr., published in Amsterdam by Frans Buffa & Zonen around 1872.

The scene is bathed in warm, late afternoon light, giving a golden glow to the rolling hills, open fields, and lush tropical vegetation. A large mountain, possibly part of the Salak range, rises gently in the background, its slopes blending seamlessly into the soft sky. The foreground is animated by a rural scene with farmers and herders tending to a small group of goats and cattle, their forms carefully integrated into the sunlit terrain.

Kedong Badak, situated near the important colonial hub of Buitenzorg, was a key area for plantations and agricultural development during the 19th century. This image, however, steers away from industry, focusing instead on the harmony between people and the land. The figures are small yet detailed, suggesting the quiet rhythm of daily life in the Javanese uplands.

As with the other plates in this rare series, Abram Salm’s original painting was translated with remarkable fidelity into lithographic form by J.C. Greive Jr. The hand-finished color enhances the natural transitions of earth and sky, lending a painterly warmth and elegance to the landscape. This lithograph not only captures the serene topography of Java but also serves as a lasting record of the colonial road that connected outlying regions to the capital.

It is a beautiful and meditative image, ideal for collectors of Southeast Asian art, Dutch colonial prints, or historical landscape views.

Condition report:

This print is in very good condition. The image area is crisp and richly colored, with no visible creases or tears. The mount shows minor foxing, especially in the margins, and typical age toning. The printed title ticket is intact and firmly attached in the lower right.

Framing suggestion:

To complement the soft, earthy tones and wide landscape view, frame this work with a medium-brown wooden frame or bamboo-style molding. A warm cream archival mat will harmonize with the golden light of the scene. Use UV-filtering museum glass to preserve the fine detailing and protect the hand-finished surface from fading.

The complete list from this work below. A large number of them available for purchase in my shop:

1. Het land Tjitarap; Assistent-Residentie Buitenzorg

The land of Tjitarap; Assistant Residency of Buitenzorg

2. De Vulkaan de Smeroe; genomen uit de Residentie Pasoeroean

The volcano Smeroe; seen from the Pasoeroean Residency

3. Waterval Singahan; Residentie Rembang

The Singahan Waterfall; Rembang Residency

4. De Suikerfabriek Pangka; Residentie Tagal

The sugar factory Pangka; Tagal Residency

5. Gezicht op het land Tjiliboet; Assistent-Residentie Buitenzorg

View of the land of Tjiliboet; Assistant Residency of Buitenzorg

6. De kleine Baai Srigonjo, zuidkust van Java; Assistent-Residentie Malang, Residentie Pasoeroean

The small bay of Srigonjo, south coast of Java; Assistant Residency of Malang, Pasoeroean Residency

7. Anjer, straat Sunda, Noordkust van Java; Residentie Bantam

Anjer, Sunda Strait, north coast of Java; Bantam Residency

8. De Vuurspuwende Berg Bromo in 1856; Residentie Probolingo

The erupting Mount Bromo in 1856; Probolingo Residency

9. Gezicht op de rivier de Solo; Assistent-Residentie Toeban, Residentie Rembang

View of the Solo River; Assistant Residency of Toeban, Rembang Residency

10. Gezicht op het Kawische Gebergte en op de Tabaks-onderneming; Assistent-Residentie Malang

View of the Kawische Mountains and a tobacco plantation; Assistant Residency of Malang

11. Weg van Buitenzorg naar de Vallei van den Salakh; Residentie Buitenzorg

Road from Buitenzorg to the Valley of Salakh; Buitenzorg Residency

12. De Rivier Brantas als Bergstroom; Residentie Pasoeroean

The Brantas River as a mountain stream; Pasoeroean Residency

13. Landschap in de Bataviasche ommelanden

Landscape in the surroundings of Batavia

14. Landschap in het Malangsche; Residentie Pasoeroean

Landscape in the Malang region; Pasoeroean Residency

15. Huwelijks-optocht in de Vallei van den Salakh

Wedding procession in the Valley of Salakh

16. Landschap in de Residentie Bantam

Landscape in the Bantam Residency

17. Gezicht op het land Kedong Badak en den grooten weg naar Buitenzorg

View of the land Kedong Badak and the main road to Buitenzorg

18. Dorpsfeest in de omstreken van den Ardjoeno; Residentie Soerabaja

Village festival in the surroundings of Mount Ardjoeno; Soerabaja Residency

19. Landschap bij maneschijn in de omstreken van Sumedang; Preanger...