Plate 3: Lady, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Third 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 represents a Chinese lady, wearing a long garment with wide sleeves and narrow, tiered skirt, with a pattern of flowers and semi-abstract rosettes, and a wide collar with triangles. Her hair is held up with a net, and on it she wears a headdress with two long needles. The ends of her belt are long and touch the floor. She holds a small tray (or plate?) with a steaming cup of tea in her hands.
