Plate 102: Heads, from "A New Book of Chinese Designs"
Etched and published by Matthias Darly British
Artist and publisher George Edwards British
Not on view
Plate 102 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 two heads. On the left, a male head with short hair and a bun on the crown, covered with a netted headpiece, appears in three-quarter view, standing on a sort of chestguard with ruffled trimmings, an abstract pattern, and scrolling motifs on the border. On the right, a female head wears a headdress with a cap with a dragon motif above her forehead and buns on the sides, standing on a chestguard with abstract geometric motifs and scalloping edges.
