Plate 24: Candlestands, 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 24 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 two designs for candlestands. The first, on the left, has an architectural structure of Chinese style on the bottom, flanked to the sides by eight rails with geometric designs, and three Chinese men. The ceiling is made up of thin, long scrolling motifs, separated by structures with geometric designs and bundles of straw, and from its sides hang four bells. It is flanked above by two thin columns, interlaced by a tree with round fruits, which holds five platforms of different sizes, where the candles would stand.
The second candlestand, on the left, consists of a simple column on a base made up of scrolling leaves, flanked above by a sort of canopy with base and top of straw, holding a stand on the top and two stands to the sides, where the candles would be placed.
