Pierre Thibault Art

"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...

Montezin's dazzling display of brushwork captures the effects of the sunlight on the water and the glittering leaves of the poplar trees. A masterwork by the artist presented in the ...

Starry Night is a lithograph based on a watercolour by Charlie Mackesy. The edition is limited to 150 and each piece has been signed by Charlie Mackesy...

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Nelson Mandela, Hand of Africa, Signed Limited Edition Lithograph Many people are unaware that Nelson Mandela turned his hand to art in his 80's as a way of leaving a legacy for his ...

This early 19th century framed 35" x 31" engraving by artist Amand-Durand depcits an etching of 'Jesus and the Woman at the Well,' after the Dutch master, Rembrandt van Rijn. This poignant Biblical story is depicted by Arman-Durand in Rembrandt style...

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Alfred de Breanski Jr was born 1877 into a family of artists, most notably his father, Alfred de Breanski Sr and Uncle Gustav de Breanski. His father was already a renowned artist k...

An impressive, panoramic view of the River Stour looking towards Harwich and Felixstowe in Suffolk. It is very much a snapshot of times gone by with the hay barge loaded with hay. F...

This artwork is a unique masterpiece. Isn't it amazing how that few a number of strokes can depict reality with such accuracy ? A single stroke is more than enough for Yves Calmeja...

James Dobie "The New Will" Color Engraving After Walter Dendy Sadler c.1894 Original 19th century color engraving Engraved by James Dobie after artwork b...

A very early, seminal work by this highly important British artist dating to 1893. The artist was a good friend of John Singer Sargent and they painted together around Europe. The...