Plate 23: Conversation, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Plate number 23 of 'A New Book of Chinese Designs', consisting of a title page, index, and 120 plates, etched and published in 1754 by the British caricaturist, printseller and ornamental engraver Matthew Darly, in collaboration with George Edwards. The book consists of a variety of ornamental and costume designs of Chinese inspiration, some of them copies of the original works (including the title).
This plate represents a group of Chinese men and women engaging in conversation. On the center, three women gather around a table, with geometric designs on the legs and two large bases with flowers and leaves on the left side. They all wear long-sleeved robes with belts around the waist, and scallop-edged headdresses. On the left, a man stands with a tiered robe, a scallop-edged headdress, and a mustache. On the right, two children (?) play, also wearing robes.
