About this piece
Ancient Hawaiian Temples & Royal Sacred Sites – Pair of Engravings, 1836
A rare and highly decorative pair of original antique engravings depicting important sacred and ceremonial sites of the Hawaiian Islands, published in Paris in 1836. These views originate from the celebrated French voyage accounts of the Pacific and document aspects of Hawaiian religion, architecture, and royal culture shortly before traditional practices underwent profound change during the nineteenth century.
The first engraving, Morai du Roi (Royal Morai), illustrates a Hawaiian heiau or temple enclosure containing carved wooden idols, sacred structures, and ceremonial platforms. The scene provides a remarkable visual record of indigenous Hawaiian religious life, depicting monumental figures and ritual spaces that were largely destroyed or abandoned following the introduction of Christianity and the abolition of the traditional kapu system.
The second engraving, Ruines d’un fort à Kai-Roua, depicts the remains of an early Hawaiian fortification near Kailua-Kona on the Island of Hawaii. Surrounded by dramatic volcanic scenery and tropical vegetation, the view combines archaeological interest with romantic landscape imagery. Such structures represent an important period in Hawaiian history when local rulers began incorporating foreign military and architectural influences.
Created from expedition drawings made during French scientific and exploratory voyages, these engravings introduced European audiences to the culture, religion, and history of the Hawaiian Islands. Their combination of ethnographic significance, architectural detail, and scenic beauty makes them particularly desirable among collectors of Pacific exploration, Polynesian history, and early Hawaiian imagery.
Displayed together, the pair forms an exceptional visual narrative illustrating both the spiritual and historical heritage of Hawaii before the islands' transformation during the nineteenth century.
This set consists of original antique engravings printed in 1836. They are not modern reproductions. Any images showing the prints framed are for visual inspiration only. The prints are supplied unframed.
Condition report:
Good condition for age. Light age toning, occasional foxing and minor handling marks consistent with nineteenth-century paper. Strong impressions. Please study the images carefully.
Framing tips:
These engravings display beautifully in matching dark walnut, ebonized, or museum-black frames with warm ivory mats. A thin gilt liner complements the delicate engraving work and enhances their historical character. Displayed as a pair, they create an elegant focal point for collectors of Pacific history and travel imagery.
Technique: Copperplate engravings
Maker: After voyage drawings, published by Renzi, Paris, 1836
