Plate 77: Ranunculus miniature & 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 77 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 ranunculus miniature, growing on the water, surrounded by trunks with foliage. The branches of the ranunculus plant have large, blooming flowers as well as small flower buds and some leaves. A bird is perched on a plant growing on the trunk, and another bird flies above it. A butterfly flies at the other side of the ranunculus plant. A small branch with two large flowers, a flower bud and leaves, is lying horizontally below the trunks and the plant.
