This exquisite hand-colored lithograph depicts two dwarf buntings in their natural size. According to the accompanying text, the birds are "found in China, Amoorland, the Himalayas, the Daurian Alps, India, the northern and central parts of Europe, accidentally in Heligoland, and once at least in Britain." The drawing and lithography are credited to John Gould and Henry C. Richter. Gould (1804-81) created some of the most beautiful bird prints ever produced and was known throughout the world as "The Bird Man." This lithograph appeared in Volume V of Gould's 7-volume The Birds of Asia (1850-83). The lot includes accompanying text with information on the species. Printed by Walter.

References: Sitwell, p. 102.

Condition: B+

Full contemporary color with minor soiling, a 1" abrasion along the top sheet edge, and a 1" tear along the right edge that has been closed on verso with archival tape. There is a large chip on the top edge of the accompanying text sheet.