Plate 46: 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 46 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 rowing boat, with a grotesque head made up of scrolling motifs and an eye on the front, and a tail of similar manner on the back. A flag stands on its upper part. Near the front stands a large canopy with rail fences and curtains, with two men beneath it, with a second canopy on the ceiling, flanked above by a flag, and with a seated man in it. A smaller canopy is on the back, with a seated man in it, and two men with small flags standing next to it. Between the two structures are two rows of six men, wearing pointed hats and rowing.
