Malay Mosque Tandjong Poera – Original 1900s Photogravure, Sumatra Indonesia
€ 440
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
circa 1890
Mapmaker / artist
G. Kleingrothe, Medan (photographer)
Technique
Photogravure
Sheet size
34 × 45 cm (13.4 × 17.7 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-05079-28
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.
Condition
Very good condition for age. Light age-toning and a few minor foxing spots in margins only, image area clean. Plate mark visible. No tears or major defects. Strong, rich impression.
About this sheet
Original late-19th century photogravure showing the Malay Mosque of Tandjong Poera in East Sumatra (present-day North Sumatra, Indonesia). Photographed by G. Kleingrothe in Medan and printed by O. Felsing in Munich, circa 1890. This plate presents one of the most important Islamic buildings in the region during the Dutch East Indies period.
The upper image shows the impressive mosque from the outside, surrounded by tall palms and lush tropical vegetation. Its domed roofline, arches, and corner towers reflect a fusion of Malay architectural heritage with stylistic influences from Mughal and Middle Eastern design. The tranquil scene captures the cultural and religious heart of the historic port settlement before modernization transformed the region.
The lower image presents the richly decorated prayer hall, with carved wood screens, ornate Islamic motifs, hanging lamps, and an elegant central chandelier. The photogravure technique has preserved a remarkable amount of detail and depth, making this an important historic document of Indonesian Islamic architecture.
Plates from Kleingrothe’s documentation of Sumatra are increasingly scarce and highly collectible. Originally produced as luxurious presentation pieces and promotional works for government officials and plantation investors, these large-format prints now serve as valuable records of cultural history. This example is particularly desirable for collectors interested in Southeast Asian heritage, early photography, and religious architecture.
Ideal for framing and display in a study, library, office, or a refined colonial or heritage-themed interior.
Very good condition for age. Light age-toning and a few minor foxing spots in margins only, image area clean. Plate mark visible. No tears or major defects. Strong, rich impression.
Framing Tips: Looks excellent in a dark wood frame (walnut or black) with an off-white archival mat. A gold-toned frame can also create a classic and elegant presentation.
