Plate 96: 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 96 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 Chinese budgrow. The large boat is decorated with bundles of scrolling leaves and square-edged scrolling motifs, with rails on the stern, where a man with a pointed hand stands. A flag flanks the back edge of the boat. On the center is an architectural structure with two levels and ceilings with scrolling edges, with bells hanging from the tips and flags standing on the ceiling. Right in front of it is the sail of the ship, flanked above by a long flag. On the bow are eight rowers, led by a man that stands near the front edge, which is made up of a stylized eagle (?) head. Another flag stands above the front edge of the boat.
