A Diplomatic (Chinese) Design Presented to U.S.
1881
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1881
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
A Diplomatic (Chinese) Design Presented to U.S. is a 1881 ink by Thomas Nast, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a huge, ornate vase with strange clawed hands holding it up. The vase is covered in detailed patterns—tiny people, ships, and symbols—like a mix of armor and a map. Its base has a crown and more odd designs, while the hands gripping it look almost like animal claws. The caption calls it a "diplomatic design" from China, given to the U.S. The artist drew it in Washington in 1881, and the whole thing looks heavy with meaning. If you like this style, look up engraving.
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