A Diplomatic (Chinese) Design Presented to U.S.

1881

Thomas Nast

Associated Names
Thomas Nast

Artist, American, born Germany, 1840 - 1902

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.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    wood engraving in black on newsprint

  • Credit Line

    Donald and Nancy deLaski Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 40.32 × 28.58 cm (15 7/8 × 11 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2013.3.7


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Acquired in 2013 from The Old Print Shop, New York.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

caption in letterpress at bottom: A DIPLOMATIC (CHINESE) DESIGN PRESENTED TO U.S.; lower right: SKETCHED AT A PRIVATE VIEW IN WASHINGTON.; signed in the block: Th: Nast

Wikidata ID

Q76561283

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