Elger Esser Prints and Multiples

"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...

Vintage David Hockney poster for the XIV 1984 Olympic Games in Sarajevo published as part of the official 1984 Olympic Fine Art Posters Series. The Olympic Committee commissioned 15 ...

This vintage exhibition poster reproduces The Boy Hidden in an Egg by David Hockney from his Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm, 1969. A shirtless young man curls up inside a d...

This vintage David Hockney poster features whimsical imagery and rich, bright color. Palm trees, boats in the ocean, a cafe, and a bodega with an elaborate iron-wrought balcony sit a...

Printed for Galerie Kammer’s 1981 David Hockney exhibition “Drawings and Prints”, this beautiful poster reproduces Hockney’s drawing Celia in a Black Dress and Red Stockings 1973. Fa...

Printed by Petersburg Press for their exhibition of David Hockney prints and drawings at the 1981 Chicago Art Fair, this beautiful poster reproduces Hockney’s drawing Celia Wearing Checked Sleeves, 1973...

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...

The poster features David Hockney's 1972 drawing Celia in a Black Dress. Viewed through elegantly drooping tulip stems, Celia Birtwell stares dreamily ahead. With one hand paused in ...

In this black and white monotype, Zalopany has captured a duo of tumblers atop a roof, as onlookers stare in wonder. The artist is able to cap...

A masked performer gestures his hands, wearing bright green garb, a long hat, and jaunty black shoes with white socks. Hockney paints in loose strokes of color: garnet, sapphire, bright yellow, and emerald green. This vintage David Hockney...

Jim Dine has expertly sketched the accomplished French poet and coffee trader Arthur Rimbaud. A vignette of dark brown surrounds his thin, fine features, which are defined with a flu...

A surreal juxtaposition of geometric forms and uncannily realistic pedestrians forms the composition of this moody screen print. Framed by a flat of charcoal grey, a man in shadow i...