Items Similar to "King of the Friendly Islands" (Tonga); Engraving from Captain Cook's 3rd Voyage
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
John Webber"King of the Friendly Islands" (Tonga); Engraving from Captain Cook's 3rd Voyage1784
1784
About the Item
"Poulaho, King of the Friendly Islands, Drinking Kava" is an engraving created by William Sharp (1749-1824), from a drawing by John Webber (1752-1793), who was the artist on Captain James Cook's 3rd and final voyage of discovery. It was published in the atlas of "A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean Undertaken by the Command of His Majesty, for Making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere", the official British Admirality sanctioned journal published upon completion of the voyage in London in 1784 by Strahan & Cadell.
Captain Cook visited Tonga on his 3rd voyage, which he named The Friendly Islands because of the warm welcome he and his crew received, unlike some of the other more hostile Pacific islands. The engraving depicts Cook and his men observed a kava ceremony at the village of Mu’a on Tongatapu. King Paulaho sits in the centre foreground, his back to the spectator with a man kneeling before him. The ceremonial mat depicted behind Paulaho indicates that nobody was allowed to sit behind him. The figure in the centre holds a single cup, referring to the Tongan custom of offering the cup to the king first. Kava is native to the islands of the South Pacific and was first described for English readers in 1768 by Captain James Cook. The kava root has been used for centuries as a central feature of ceremonies and celebrations because it was able to bring about a calming and pleasant social atmosphere. The root was crushed and processed into coconut milk to become the focal ceremonial beverage, simply referred to as kava.
This engraving is presented in a Koa wood frame and a white mat. Koa wood is legendary in Hawaii. There are occasional faint spots, but the print is otherwise in very good condition. This amazing Koa wood is native to Hawaii and it is known for the deep rich colors and varied grain pattern. Koa has an honored heritage in Hawaii and is highly revered and sacred. The word “koa” means “warrior” in Hawaiian. The warriors of King Kamehameha the Great, created canoes and weapons from a wood plentiful on the Big Island of Hawaii. This wood became synonymous with the warriors themselves, and it became known as koa.
There are three other engravings listed from the official journal of Captain Cook's 3rd voyage available that are presented in identical Koa wood frames and mats (LU117324682422, LU117324684052, LU117324684032). They would make a wonderful grouping for a display of 2, 3 or 4 prints. A discount is available for a grouping depending on the number of items included.
Captain Cook is remembered as one of the greatest explorers and navigators in history. His explorations included Australia, New Zealand and islands of the South Pacific and the northwest coast of North America. Hawaii was discovered by Captain Cook during this voyage. Hawaii was originally called The Sandwich Islands in honor of The Earl of Sandwich who, as head of the British Admiralty, authorized the funds necessary to finance the voyage. Captain Cook was killed by natives in Kealakekua Bay on the big island of Hawaii in 1779. His ships the Resolution and Discovery then returned to England. Other notables who were part of this expedition included Captain William Bligh, Cook's sailing master, who would later go down in history as captain of the mutinous crew of the Bounty and George Vancouver who would later explore and chart North America's northwestern Pacific Coast regions, including the coasts of Alaska, Washington, and Oregon, as well as the province of British Columbia in Canada. Vancouver Island and the city of Vancouver, British Columbia are named for him, as is Vancouver, Washington.
- Creator:John Webber (1751 - 1793, British)
- Creation Year:1784
- Dimensions:Height: 18.25 in (46.36 cm)Width: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)Depth: 0.88 in (2.24 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:1780-1789
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Alamo, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: #38561stDibs: LU117324684062
John Webber
John Webber (1751-1793) was recommended to the Admiralty for appointment as artist for the Captain Cook's 3rd voyage by the Swedish botanist Daniel Carlsson Solander (1733-1782) who had accompanied Cook on his first voyage. Just 24 years old when he joined the Captain Cook’s ship the Resolution at Plymouth one week prior to departure, Webber's skill in both portraiture and landscape resulted in a visual record of Cook's third voyage that is unsurpassed in the annals of 18th century exploration.
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 2011
1stDibs seller since 2019
259 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Alamo, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View All"Inspection Tour in the Wine Vaults", 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition
Located in Alamo, CA
This engraving is entitled "Philadelphia, PA- The Centennial Exposition - the Jury of Award on an Inspection Tour in the Wine Vaults of Agricultural Hall", ...
Category
Late 19th Century Naturalistic Interior Prints
Materials
Engraving
Church of St. Costanza, Rome: An 18th Century Piranesi Architectural Etching
By Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Located in Alamo, CA
This is a framed 18th century Giovanni Battista Piranesi etching entitled: "Veduta interna del Sepocro di Santa Costanza, fabbricat...
Category
1770s Old Masters Interior Prints
Materials
Etching
18th Century Etching of Ancient Roman Architectural Objects by Giovanni Piranesi
By Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Located in Alamo, CA
A. Tigna Protensa Super Media Epistylia, B. Praecisiones Tigorum Quaqua Versus Extrinsectus Apparentium, C. Opae Extremitates Tigorum Contintes, Fig. I, plate 88 from "Vasi, Candelab...
Category
Mid-18th Century Old Masters Figurative Prints
Materials
Etching
Bow Street Office: Rowlandson Hand-colored Engraving from Microcosm of London
By Thomas Rowlandson
Located in Alamo, CA
An early 19th century print entitled "Bow Street Office", an illustration (Plate 11) from "The Microcosm of London", published in London in 1808 by R. Acker...
Category
Early 1800s Other Art Style Interior Prints
Materials
Etching, Aquatint
A Pair of Framed 19th Century Colored Lithographs of Tudor Scenes by Joseph Nash
By Joseph Nash
Located in Alamo, CA
This is a pair of framed 19th century tinted lithographs with hand-coloring entitled "Gallery Over the Hall, Knowle, Kent" and "Terrace Bramshill, Hants" by Charles Joseph Hullmandel (1789-1850) after drawings by Joseph Nash (1809-1878), from "Mansions of England in the Olden Time", published in London in 1839-1849. Nash's publication consists of a series of views of Tudor domestic architecture, which Nash said depicted "the most characteristic features of the domestic architecture of the Tudor Age, and also illustrating the costumes, habits, and recreations of our ancestors." The scenes of the aristocratic ladies and gentlemen (including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I), who are depicted inhabiting the rooms of these great houses, were taken directly from the portraits on the walls.
Charles Joseph Hullmandel, was involved in the creation of these lithographs. He was a famous British lithographer, who invented the "lithotint" process, which he named and patented in 1840. This technique, allowing for greater nuance and value gradation than pure lithography, was an ideal means of expression for Nash's historically rich and picturesque depictions of Tudor mansions and their inhabitants. Hullmandel is also remembered for creating many lithographs from the paintings by J. M. W. Turner.
The "Gallery Over the Hall" depicts a great hall with children playing with skittles (wooden pins resembling bowling pins), a doll and what looks to be a St Charles spaniel, while a lady in Tudor attire watches over them next to a massive stone fireplace. Adults are watching from in the distance while a man bows...
Category
Late 19th Century Romantic Interior Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Ancient Roman Marble Vase: 18th C. Piranesi Etching Vaso Cinerario di Gran Mole
By Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Located in Alamo, CA
"Vaso Cinerario di Gran Mole. Le Teste dei Giovenchi mostrano di reggere it pesante Festone composto di Frutti Fiori Grans ed use. Il tuto Necefsario all Vita Umana. Il Restante degl...
Category
1760s Old Masters Figurative Prints
Materials
Etching
You May Also Like
G. Paterson "Dinner Party at a Mandarin's House" Engraving After T. Allom c.1840
Located in San Francisco, CA
G. Paterson "Dinner Party at a Mandarin's House" Original Engraving After T. Allom C.1840
Original engraving
Dimensions 8" wide x 5" high
The frame measures 20.5" wide x 18.5" hig...
Category
Mid-19th Century Realist Interior Prints
Materials
Engraving
In a tavern. Paper, engraving, 21x25 cm
By Adriaen van Ostade
Located in Riga, LV
In a tavern.
engraver Jan De Visscher (1933-1692)
Paper, engraving, 21x25 cm
Category
17th Century Realist Figurative Prints
Materials
Paper, Engraving
$1,280 Sale Price
20% Off
Le Chat et Les Fleurs
By Édouard Manet
Located in Middletown, NY
Etching and aquatint on cream laid, watermarked Rives paper. 6 5/8 x 5 inches (167 x 126 mm). Sixth and final state, a posthumous impression. A fine, inky impression with full margin...
Category
1860s Realist Figurative Prints
Materials
Etching, Aquatint
Interiors IV: Hotel Paradise Cafe
By Peter Milton
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: Peter Milton (American, 1930-)
Title: Interiors IV: Hotel Paradise Café
Year: 1987
Medium: Resist-ground etching and engraving on copper
Paper: BFK Rives
Image size: 23.5 x ...
Category
1980s Realist Interior Prints
Materials
Paper, Etching
Vintage 1980 Judaica Chassidic Poster Simchas Torah Hakafos Chabad Artist
By Zalman Kleinman
Located in Surfside, FL
Vintage framed plate signed poster.
Zalman Kleiman, Born in Leningrad, Russia in 1933 into a Lubavitcher Hasidic family, was a self taught Chassidic artist living in Crown Heights, ...
Category
1970s Realist Figurative Prints
Materials
Offset
Vintage Le Corbusier '69 David Hockney Exhibition Poster Kilim southwest rug
By (after) David Hockney
Located in New York, NY
Shading in bright turquoise above a Southwestern style thunderbird Kilim rug adorns this original exhibition poster for David Hockney's 1969 show at Andre Emmerich, New York. This po...
Category
1960s Realist Interior Prints
Materials
Lithograph
