Plate 51: Alcove, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Plate 51 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 alcove, with tiled floor and a platform on the center, with a design with a dragon and scrolling motifs on the back, flanked to the sides by two small chambers with windows with abstract geometric patterns and ceilings with pointed, scrolling tips and flags. To the sides, the rails extend to form two sorts of balconies, where pairs of people stand, chatting. The ceiling of the alcove is flanked by another rail, possibly for an elevated terrace above the alcove.
