Plate 17: Idol, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Seventeenth plate 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 representation of an 'Idol', a male figure seated on a bench, his legs crossed, and his arms by his sides, wearing a robe open around the chest. The robe has a pattern of stylized orientalist flowers and small rosettes, trimmed with a fabric with small teardrop motifs. His head is bald, except for a small curl at the front of his head, and he has large ears. His fingernals are long, and he holds a bag on the right hand.
