Antique Sugarcane Chromolithograph, Teboe Ardjoeno and Teboe Mangis idjo, 1892
Description This impressive chromolithographic plate depicts two named sugarcane varieties from Java and was published in Berlin in 1892 as part of Friedrich Soltwedel’s work Formen und Farben von Saccharum officinarum L. und verwandten Arten. Produced by W. A. Meyn, the plate demonstrates the rich colouring and clarity characteristic of high-quality nineteenth-century chromolithography.
The sheet contains Plates V and VI, illustrating Teboe Ardjoeno, named after Mount Arjuno in East Java, and Teboe Mangis idjo, a deep green sugarcane variety, with idjo reflecting historical Dutch spelling. The varieties are presented in isolation to emphasize differences in colour, form, and surface character.
These plates are part of a broader scientific effort to classify and document sugarcane types cultivated in the Dutch East Indies, reflecting the economic and agricultural importance of sugar production in the late nineteenth century. The separate atlas of plates is now increasingly scarce.
With its strong vertical composition and naturalistic colouring, this plate has considerable decorative presence and is suitable for collectors as well as for interior designers seeking large-scale botanical imagery with historical depth. A companion plate from the same series depicting Plates III and IV is also available; a combined offer can be arranged.
Condition report One plate in very good condition. Light, even age toning and minor surface wear consistent with age. Slight marginal wear. Colours remain vivid. Plate mark visible. No major damage.
Framing suggestions Ideal for vertical framing. A dark walnut or ebonized frame with a parchment mat offers a classic look, while a slim bronze or muted antique gold frame complements the deep green tones. Wide matting is recommended to highlight scale and preserve the original margins.
Technique: Chromolithography Maker: W. A. Meyn after F. Soltwedel, Berlin, 1892
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