Story: New Zealand identity

Writing bureau

This bureau was made in 1865 by Anton Seuffert. The inlaid veneers of New Zealand woods feature a number of New Zealand icons – most prominently, the tree fern in the centre. Ferns, especially the silver fern, had become symbols of New Zealand by the mid-19th century. Other icons represented on the cabinet include a moa, a scene with lake and mountains, and a Māori man and woman.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: PF000079
Object by Anton Seuffert

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Fiona Barker, 'New Zealand identity - Symbols of identity', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/zoomify/34629/writing-bureau (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Fiona Barker, published 20 Jun 2012