Plate 22: Conversation, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Plate number 22 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 three Chinese men engaging in conversation. The three men are standing on a small island, wearing knee-length robes with patterns of stars and semi-abstract flowers, and with queues on their heads. The man standing in the middle is taller and also wears a pointed straw hat. They are framed by two thin trees, the one on the right with some foliage, and flanking a bundle of bushes. Grass is everywhere on the island, and it is surrounded by water.
