Plate 80: Rose Peony, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Plate 80 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 rose peony. Large, rectangular stones are on the lower right of the sheet, and from them grow thick branches, which scroll upwards, with large flowers on bloom, flower buds, and leaves. On the right, behind the cubes, is a small bundle of thin, long leaves with a thin branch with round fruits.
