This is one of McCahon's major works of the mid-1970s, along with the Urewera Mural, the Blind series, and the Parihaka Triptych. It has several motivations and triggers. The primary one is the shining cuckoo's song, spoken of in a Maori poem passed…
Lower left (l.l.) with brush: J.T. Thomson 1851; on vanvas verso: Opium Clipper Poppy George Thomson Commander 1851; on frame: Owners: Jardine & Matheson (per Capt E. Thomson of Lennel North … [illeg] Jan.y 1976)