Plate 99: Grand Budgrow, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Plate 99 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 consists of a design for a grand budgrow, with an architectural structure with several layers on the stern, surrounded by fences with abstract geometric designs. Two large sails are in the front half of the boat, each flanked by a long, scrolling flag. A third flag is on the back edge of the budgrow. Six couples of rowers are seated on the bow, led by two standing men. Several sailors direct the sails from the stern, and additional people are inside the architectural structure of the boat. A dragon head with open mouth and long tongue flanks the bow.
