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1 of 253523 objects
Address casket with model war canoe 1901
Silver, gold, wood, nephrite(?) | 39.0 x 55.1 x 43.3 cm (whole object) | RCIN 42584
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An ornate casket comprising a silver and gilt model of a Māori war canoe with eight men rowing and one man standing at one end, with silver-gilt paddles and a staff. On a support of four green nephrite(?) pillars with silver and gold at their base and a silver, gold and nephrite casket (originally containing a loyal address) with engraved silver plaques on either side, with the arms of The Duke of Cornwall and York and of New Zealand. On the top of each pillar is a model of a kiwi. All on a stepped, inlaid base of New Zealand woods and formerly housed in an outer wooden box (RCIN 64026).
The casket contained an address illuminated with scenes of New Zealand, possibly RCIN 69255. According to Wellington journalist R.A. Loughnan, who covered the royal tour, the casket cost £630 and was 'the most beautiful thing ever made in New Zealand'.
When displayed in 1902, the Imperial Institute catalogue noted that the figures had been depicted with 'the face-tattooing "Moko" [tā moko] of the old school' (exhib. cat. p. 295).Provenance
Presented to The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later King George V and Queen Mary) on 11 June 1901 by the Ministers of New Zealand on their arrival at Auckland. Inscribed 'A SOUVENIR OF THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES VISIT TO THE LAND OF THE MOA [a flightless bird native to New Zealand] AND THE POUNAMU [jade or nephrite]'.
The Duke wrote in his diary for that day, 'At 1.45 the Governor came on bd [HMS Ophir] with the Premier (Mr Seddon) & the Ministers. Mr Seddon read the address from the people of New Zealand, to which I replied & also presented us with a beautiful casket on their behalf, consisting of a model of a Māori war canoe in silver on a base with 4 pillars of green stone. We landed in state at 2.0. May touched a button, which signalled the fact to all parts of New Zealand…' (RA GV/PRIV/GVD/1901, p. 48).
Exhibited at the Imperial Institute, London, in 1902: ‘Gifts & Addresses received by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall & York during their visit to The King’s Dominions beyond the seas, 1901’ (exhib. cat. no.295). -
Creator(s)
(maker)(nationality)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Silver, gold, wood, nephrite(?)
Measurements
39.0 x 55.1 x 43.3 cm (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
Place of Production
New Zealand
