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

Thomas Nast

National Gallery of Art

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.

Artwork Details

Date
1881
Medium
wood engraving in black on newsprint
Dimensions
3541 × 4979 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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