Plate 115: Chariot, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Plate 115 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 chariot, framed with scrolling motifs, and with a pattern of lozenges with semi-abstract, four-petal rosettes. The upper sides of the chariot have arms made up of strips of alternating s-curves, framed by thinnner, elongated C-curves. At the foot of the chariot, on the front, is a head with a mustache and a helmet with scalloping edges. A Chinese man with queue and mustache, and with a long-sleeved robe and trousers is riding the chariot, holding the tip of a whip in his right hand and the end of the reins in his left hand.
