Antique Print of Koebang Tree with Kalongs, Sumatra by van Kesteren c.1887

About this sheet

Antique Print of Koebang Tree with Kalongs, Sumatra by van Kesteren c.1880

This atmospheric antique print depicts a Koebang tree with kalongs (large fruit bats) hanging from its branches, from the 19th-century Dutch publication on Midden-Sumatra (Central Sumatra). The engraving is titled 'Koebang-boom met kalongs behangen' (Koebang tree hung with kalongs) and was drawn and engraved by C.L. van Kesteren, a noted Dutch illustrator of colonial landscapes.

The scene shows a dense tropical forest with towering palms and the large Koebang tree at centre, filled with kalongs (flying foxes), alongside a villager with a calf observing the spectacle. In the background are traditional village houses surrounded by coconut palms, evoking the rural life of Sumatra in the colonial period. The print is captioned Midden-Sumatra IV and Tegenover den Titel, indicating it was an introductory plate opposite the title page in the publication.

These prints were produced as part of the Dutch colonial scientific documentation projects in Indonesia in the late 1800s, combining natural history, ethnography, and landscape studies. Today, such engravings are sought after for their documentary value, fine engraving quality, and evocative depiction of Southeast Asian life and nature in the 19th century.

Condition report:
The print is in good condition with strong impression and clean margins. Minor age toning and a few faint foxing spots are visible in the margins, typical for its age. The paper remains stable with no tears or repairs.

Framing tips:
This print will display beautifully in a dark wood or black frame with a gold inner edge to highlight its detailed engraving work. Pair with a cream or light grey mat to enhance the tropical landscape tones, ideal for libraries, studies, or Southeast Asian colonial history-themed displays.