Meerz Fyze, an Oosbeg Elchee, or Ambassador

London: Hering & Remington, 1848. Near Fine. 1 hand-colored lithograph 429 x 533 mm. (image is 275 x 375 mm.; mat is 19.5 x 23 inches). The lithograph was created by Edmund Walker (1813 or 1814-1882) of Day & Son, after James Rattray's drawing. James Rattray (1818-1854) was a lieutenant in the British Bengal Army during the first Anglo-Afghan War, 1839-1842. The sketches he produced were published in 30 plates in Scenery, Inhabitants, & Costumes of Afghaunistan (1847-48). This is plate no. 22, in regard to which Rattray wrote: "I sketched this Uzbeg at the Fort of Lughmaunee, Cohistaun." The ambassador represented Mir Wali, prince of the frontier town of Kulum, near Kunduz. In September 1840 the British were negotiating with Wali to transfer his allegiance to Shah Shuja. Green dealer's label on back of mat from Harold T. Storey, London. Very scarce. In Near Fine Condition: lithograph is clean and bright; minor soiling to mat.