Plate 45: Water piece, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Plate 45 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 water landscape, with a floating trunk with stylized leaves, on which is seated a man wearing a long-sleeved robe with semi-abstract flowers, mustache and queue, and extending a fishing net with his hands towards the water. From the water surrounding him grow small plats with scrolling leaves. In the background, elevated houses, a sailing ship, and mountains, are seen.
