Plate 75: Ranunculus Shrub, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Plate 75 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 ranunculus plant, made up of large branches with blooming flowers, flower buds, and some leaves, emerging from the ground. A large butterfly approaches the plant on the upper-right side of the sheet, and another bug flies towards it on the left.
