Tonga. Articles in use among inhabitants of Friendly Islands. c1800

Finely woven basket and carved bowls among articles in use among the inhabitants of the Friendly Islands of Tonga.

Beautiful original copperplate engraving on thick hand-made paper, drawn and engraved by Harding and published in London in April 1800 by J. Debrett of Piccadilly, for “An Account of A Voyage in search of La Perouse…Under the Command of Rear-Admiral Bruni d’Entrecasteaux’. 

A fine engraving with tiny lower edge tear (with archival tape repair), and slight age soiling which is to be expected. Approximate size of page is 293 x 225mm.