Plate 48: Bridge, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Plate 48 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 bridge, held by four columns, and with fences made up of rails with geometric motifs, flanked by scrolling motifs and lamps. On the center, a small canopy with scrolling ceiling and two hanging bells hosts a man, who is fishing from the water underneath the bridge.
