Hone Heke, Maori King hand-coloured engraving with text c1888.

by Ashton, Julian Rossi

Antique print of Hone Heke Pokai, powerful Maori leader of the Ngapuhi in the Bay of Islands region of Northern New Zealand. Hone Heke was missionary-educated, a great warrior, and the first Maori chief to sign the Treaty of Waitangi. He later opposed the government when they undermined the authority of Maori chiefs.

Original small wood engraving c.1888 (fine later colour). Engraved after a drawing by influential colonial artist, Julian Rossi Ashton (1851-1942), for The Picturesque Atlas of Australasia (published in parts between 1886 and 1888 to commemorate 100 years since First Fleet settlement at Port Jackson, Sydney.)

Picturesque Atlas included 30 large maps, with around 700 illustrations that were some of the finest of the late 19th century. The wonderful early Illustrations were by leading artists of the period. The text provides a wonderful overview of the region, its discovery, settlement and development in colonial times.

This little engraving, in a 'window' measuring 190 x 95mm (7.5 x 3.75 inches), is within text on a page measuring 435 x 43mm (17.1/8 x 13 inches).