Plate 71: Althea & Reeds, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Plate 71 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 two plants: althea and reeds, surrounded with fences with geometric patterns. On the left is a plant of althea with long leaves and scrolling branches with large althea flowers, and next to it is a bundle of reeds, both enclosed by the fences. On the right, outside the fence is a trunk with long leaves and scrolling branches with flower buds. A bird is perched on the reeds, and another bird flies towards them, above the trunk.
