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John Gantz, A collection of eighteen (of 20) hand-coloured lithographs from Indian Microcosm, Madras: J Gantz & Son, [1827]

Loose as issued, each plate mounted on paper within ink ruled frames, with printed labels mounted on verso; modern blue cloth solander box with black leather gilded title ticket pasted on the front board and black leather spine with gilt text and 5 raised bands

16 x 23 cm (print size), 18.5 x 24.5 cm (sheet size), 35.7 x 45.7 cm (with mount)

LIST OF PLATES
1. Bridegroom carrying nuptial presents / 2. Nocturnal Wedding Procession / 3. MISSING / 4. Cair or sacred car / 5. The Hackery / 6. The Toddymen / 6. Pilgrim Pandarums / 7. A Brahmin Funeral / 7. The Catamarans / 8. The Chedil / 8. The Rice Beaters / 9. The Mohorum A=eed or festival / 9. The Oil Mill / 10. Well Sinking / 10. The Palankeen Bearers / 11. The Cawry Men / 12. Building and mending masula boats / 13. The Basket Makers / 17. The Black Smith

John Gantz was a draftsman and architect employed by the East India Company. By 1827 he had set up the first lithographic press in Madras, one of the first of such presses in India.

Indian Microcosm, by which Gantz is essentially known, consists of 18 (of 20) exquisitely hand-colored lithographic plates illustrating various Indian modes of transportation, crafts, and occupations.

Reference: J R Abbey, Travel in Aquatint and Lithography 1770-1860, p. 445

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