Plate 49: Orchestra, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Plate 49 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 an orchestra, with a variety of door and rail designs, different trees above it, and three levels with ceilings with pointed, scrolling edges. On the ground, three gates are separated by garlands with flowers and leaves, and at the sides are two scrolling stair cases, which lead to the first level. People stand on the different levels, some of them tending to the plants or in pairs, engaging in conversations. A bundle of roses and leaves and a winged dragon flank the ceiling of the canopy on the top.
