N.Z. Chest. Specimen of Carving of that Country c1780

$150.00

Antique Print of A Chest of New Zealand, as a Specimen of the Carving of that Country, with A Handle for the same Instrument made in Otaheite, A Fly Flap of Ohiteroa, Another Handle for the same Instrument, A Military Gorget worn in the South Sea Islands.

This large engraving by J. Eastgate includes two views of an intricately carved Maori waka huia (treasure chest for precious items such as huia tail feathers, hair combs, tiki and other greenstone and bone ornaments) – collected by Captain James Cook during his first visit to New Zealand in 1769. Published in London circa 1784 for "A new, authentic, and complete collection of voyages round the world, undertaken and performed by royal authority. : Containing a new, authentic, entertaining, instructive, full, and complete historical account of Captain Cook's first, second, third, and last voyages, undertaken by order of His present Majesty, for making new discoveries in geography, navigation, astronomy, &c. in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, &c., &c., &c. His first voyage … Together with a narrative of Capt. Furneaux's proceedings in the Adventure… To which will be added complete and genuine narratives of other voyages of discovery round the world…those of Lord Byron, Capt. Wallis, Capt. Carteret, Lord Mulgrave, Lord Anson."

Page measures 230 x 385mm (approximately 9 x 15 inches). To engraving line, 37 x 21cm (14.5 x 8.25 inches). Tiny pieces missing from edges, and small remnant of cellotape top left. Otherwise this wonderful engraving is in good condition with borders as published, though narrow at base and left.

Out of stock