
A Diplomatic (Chinese) Design Presented to U.S.
Nast, Thomas · American
1881
- Medium
- wood engraving in black on newsprint
- Classification
- Period
- 1876 to 1900
- Image size
- 3541 × 4979px
Description
This is a drawing of a dragon coiled around an elaborate vase. The vase features intricate designs and scenes, including figures and symbols, with the dragon clutching a piece of paper labelled "U.S. TREATY." The setting evokes a sense of cultural diplomacy or negotiation. The illustration contains a variety of elements that seem to portray a blend of Eastern and Western motifs, with a focus on the ornate style of the vase's artwork and the powerful presence of the dragon. The drawing is detailed with an ink rendering, conveying a sense of intricate craftsmanship both in the depiction of the mythical creature and the decoratively illustrated vase.
Rights & Source
Open access image from the National Gallery of Art, released under its open access program. Metadata via the NGA Open Data Program (CC0).