Plate 32: Trade, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Plate 32 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 group of Chinese merchants engaging in different tasks around a table with marble panels and geometric designs on the legs. On top of the table stand two hangers with scarves, tassels, and ribbons. Seated behind the table, on a wooden chair, is a woman, with long-sleeved robe and her hair tied with a headscarf, opening a box. At the other side of the hangers is a second woman, standing, holding a ribbon bow in her right hand. Further to the right, a third woman reclines to reach a bucket with fruits (?), placed on top of a smaller table. On the left, two boys, dressed with long wobes with dots and with quoues on their heads, stand looking at each other.
This plate represents a group of Chinese merchants engaging in different tasks around a table with marble panels and geometric designs on the legs. On top of the table stand two hangers with scarves, tassels, and ribbons. Seated behind the table, on a wooden chair, is a woman, with long-sleeved robe and her hair tied with a headscarf, opening a box. At the other side of the hangers is a second woman, standing, holding a ribbon bow in her right hand. Further to the right, a third woman reclines to reach a bucket with fruits (?), placed on top of a smaller table. On the left, two boys, dressed with long wobes with dots and with quoues on their heads, stand looking at each other.
Artwork Details
- Title: Plate 32: Trade, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
- Series/Portfolio: A New Book of Chinese Designs
- Artist and publisher: Etched and published by Matthias Darly (British, ca. 1720–1780 London)
- Artist and publisher: George Edwards (British, Stratford 1694–1773 Plaistow)
- Published in: London
- Date: 1754
- Medium: Etching and engraving
- Dimensions: Plate: 7 1/2 × 10 1/16 in. (19 × 25.6 cm)
Sheet: 9 1/8 × 11 1/2 in. (23.2 × 29.2 cm)
Book: 12 in. × 9 13/16 in. × 1 3/16 in. (30.5 × 25 × 3 cm) - Classifications: Books, Prints, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1931
- Object Number: 31.88(34)
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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