Plate 42: Terminary, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"

Plate 42 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 consists of a design for a terminary, made up of rails with different geometric designs lined up on the bottom, and four thin columns, which hold a second level of rails with geometric designs, and with two chambers on the corners, with pointed ceilings of different types. The ceiling of the chamber on the right is flanked to the sides by two scrolling motifs, from which hang bells. Below the chambers hang two lamps, each with a different design. Under the ceiling, between the columns, arches are formed by thin scrolling motifs. A large curtain hangs behind them. A man stands on the upper level, and three men stand on the lower level of the terminary.