Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 831
image_0 image_1 image_2
Gould, Asia - Pair of Finch Lithographs
Gould, Asia - Pair of Finch Lithographs
image_0 image_1 image_2

Included in this lot:

Trumpeter Bullfinch [Erythrospiza Githaginea]
Mongolian Finch [Erythrospiza Incarnata]


Description of the work:

This remarkable ornithology lithograph with hand-finished color is from the esteemed John Gould’s "Birds of Asia" published in London between 1850 and 1883.

Henry Sotheran & Co purchased all of the remaining plates from the Gould estate including the 'pattern plate' presented here. This plate was specifically used as the original reference for Gould's colorist to produce the rest of the work. It is a unique opportunity to own a an important part of the production process of Gould's works."Birds of Asia".



"Birds of Asia" featured some of the most vibrant varieties of birds to be found around the world due to the wide reaching natural fauna of the expansive geographical region. The work took thirty-four years to complete and is considered one of Gould’s greatest accomplishments.

Trogons, Kingfishers, Sunbirds, Woodpeckers, Pheasants, and Parrots are all featured in the bountiful work. The backgrounds should also be given particular note, as it was clear Gould was especially drawn to the natural flora and delineated the bird’s surroundings with great detail.

John Gould created nearly 3000 hand-colored plates of animals in his extensive career. Gould gained much of his knowledge by observation and experience and contributed greatly to scientific knowledge at the time. Gould is believed to have done the original sketches for all of the plates. He utilized many talented artists to help create the finished lithograph including his wife Elizabeth Coxen Gould, Edward Lear, Joseph Wolf, William Hart, and H. C. Richter. Even at the time of publication, Gould’s plates were very expensive and only sold to a small set of subscribers. Due to the limited subscriber list, the plates remain rare and of high value for collectors today.

  • Dimensions: ~ 14 3/4" by 21 1/2"
  • Literature: Birds of Asia
  • Medium: Originally Hand-colored Lithograph
  • Circa: 1850-1883
  • Condition: The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. Occasionally a previous owner has pencilled English names or notations below the nomeclature or near the edges. There sometimes is occasional faint text offset or minor imperfections or fox marks to be expected with age with this work. There may be some faint handling at the edges. Occassionally on the plates there will be a Sotheran Booksellers stamp to verso corner without bleed through. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions. - No text available (issued without as this was a pattern plate used for guidance in coloring the set, very special example, never bound)

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipping is handled within 1 business days of completed payment. If you have specific shipping requests or address changes, please contact us before completing payment so we are aware and can adjust the invoice if necessary. Shipping is billed directly after the sale. We typically ship via USPS, FedEx, or UPS on domestic shipments and with USPS, FedEx Connect, or UPS for international shipments. We calculate based on the total package weight and destination. All shipments are insured, though to provide this some services may be required when shipping outside of the United States. We're glad to provide quotes and options of services.

The buyer is responsible for paying the customs fees, duties, import taxes, and any related charges. Customs can cause delays in arrival of your shipment, which the seller has no control over. Please consider these charges and delays when making your purchase. If you need specific wording for customs, please also contact before payment as each country has different rules and we will try to accommodate when possible.

by Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
June 6, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
115 Hampsted Lane
Franklin, TN, US 37069

Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 15% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $5
$100 $299 $10
$300 $699 $25
$700 + $50