Plate 73: Double althea, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Plate 73 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 an althea. A large branch scrolls to the right, and a shorter one on the left, both with blooming althea flowers, flower buds, and leaves. Behind them is a bundle of large, thin, pointed scrolling leaves.
