Plate 72: Water Rose & Thorn, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Plate 72 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 a water rose, with branches emerging from the water, surrounded by thin, scrolling leaves, and with large blooming roses, rose buds, and leaves. The branches have thorns, and two butterflies approach them from the sides, flying above them.
