J.C. Greive Jr., Wedding Procession in the Salak Valley, 1872, Lithograph on Paper

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This festive and culturally rich chromolithograph captures a traditional Javanese wedding procession in the scenic Salakh Valley, part of the … Read more This festive and culturally rich chromolithograph captures a traditional Javanese wedding procession in the scenic Salakh Valley, part of the Buitenzorg (Bogor) region in West Java, some 100 miles from Jakarta. It is plate number 15 from the celebrated folio 'Java, naar schilderijen en teekeningen van A. Salm', lithographed by J.C. Greive Jr. and published by Frans Buffa & Zonen in Amsterdam circa 1872. Set against a majestic mountain backdrop and framed by groves of palms and thatched houses, the scene presents a vivid portrayal of communal life and ceremonial tradition in 19th-century Java. The central procession winds through the open landscape, with a group of men carrying a beautifully decorated palanquin—presumably bearing the bride—under a canopy. Others walk alongside playing instruments or bearing gifts and umbrellas, while onlookers from the village watch the event unfold. The thatched rooftops, tropical vegetation, and gently flowing stream in the foreground enrich the setting, emphasizing the harmony between nature and tradition. Towering above the landscape is a rugged volcano or mountain, rendered in soft blues and greys, giving the scene a sense of grandeur and permanence. Abram Salm, who lived in Java for nearly thirty years, had an eye for moments of everyday life as well as dramatic landscapes. This print balances both, capturing the spirit of Javanese celebration within a majestic natural environment. J.C. Greive’s lithography, enhanced by subtle hand-coloring, brings out the lively reds, golds, and greens of the procession while retaining atmospheric depth in the background. This plate is a standout from the series for its ethnographic and narrative value. It not only preserves the ceremonial traditions of rural Java but also reflects the Dutch 19th-century fascination with the culture and customs of the East Indies.

Condition report: This lithograph is in very good condition. The image area is clean and vibrant, with no visible damage or discoloration. The wide margins show light foxing typical of the period and some minor age-related toning. The original printed title ticket is present in the lower right margin. See less