“Representation of a War Canoe of New Zealand, with a View of Gable End Foreland”

An original c1780 copperplate engraving from the official account of Captain James Cook’s voyages, showing one of the earliest published depictions of a Maori waka taua (war canoe).

This is published in the official London edition of Captain Cook’s voyage accounts by Strahan & Cadell,Paternoster Row. Works from this edition are regarded as the definitive record of Cook’s Pacific voyages.This remains one of the most famous 18th-century engravings of Maori waka toha & culture,illustrating both artistry and scale, well-known to be extremely rare and highly sought after.

The image depicts a magnificent elaborately carved Maori waka manned by warriors,set against the dramatic New Zealand coastline of Gable End Foreland (East Cape).These early published views shaped how Europe first saw Aotearoa.This specific piece remains one of the most significant & iconic historical illustrations of Maori culture.

Highlights -Original 18th-century engraving from Cook’s official voyage accounts -Published in London by Strahan & Cadell,Paternoster Row -Over 240 years old–genuine period engraving, not a reproduction -Highly sought-after by collectors of Cook,New Zealand & Pacific history

-Provenance:London edition of Cook’s Voyages,Strahan & Cadell,Paternoster Row

-Condition:Original 18th-century engraving on laid paper.Light age toning & minor edge wear consistent with age(over 240 years old) -Size:38cm x 25cm -Museum-quality piece with strong appeal to collectors of Captain Cook material,NZ history & Maori taonga

Scarcity Engravings from this London edition of Cook’s voyages are exceptionally scarce & highly desirable.Maori waka scenes are among the most sought-after,making this a rare opportunity to acquire a historically important & steadily appreciating piece.

An exceptional chance to secure an original engraving from Cook’s official voyage account,highly collectible,historically significant, & seldom offered for sale.