Plate 78: Single flowered 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 78 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 single flowered thorn. On the middle of the sheet is a scrolling branch that emerges from the left margin, with large blooming flowers, flower buds, and leaves. Below it, above the bottom margin, is another flower, flanked by thin, long leaves, and scrolling branches with additional flowers and leaves. A large, exotic bird flies above the upper branch. A butterfly flies above the lower bundle of flowers.
