Plate 43: Columns for Lamps, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Plate 43 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 two designs for columns for lamps. On the left, the first column is made up of two rods, separated by cartouches, on a base with rocks and two rails with geometric motifs on the sides. Each rod is flanked above by a tower of straw, and above them is a bundle of stylized, scrolling leaves, with two small buds hanging at the sides, possibly where the lamps would be hung. A robed man with a parasole is seated on it.
On the right, the second column is made up of three thin rods, separated by two plaques with ovals and lozenges, and flanked to the sides by curved rails with geometric motifs and a dragon standing on each. Flanking the upper part of the rods is a bundle of stylized scrolling leaves, with four buds hanging at the sides (possibly where the lamps would be hung), and flanked above by a flat base on which stand three vases.
