From the last quarter of the 19th century throughout the early decades of the twentieth century highly skilled artists in the 'Treaty Port' cities of China, where Western ships were allowed to provision and trade, created beautiful embroideries using silver and gold thread for naval officers and sailors who visited these ports.
During the 1920s China was in a period of civil war and arnachy. The 1911 revolution had brought down the government of Pu Yi, last Manchu emperor, and the hero of that revolution, Sun Yat Sen, was trying to establish a government based on western democracy. He was opposed by powerful War Lords and other factions. The naval forces of those nations having 'Treaty' rights in designated Chinese port cities, primarily the US and Britain, sought to keep these ports open, protect westerners living in China, and curtail rampant piracy. These were trying times.
Embroideries created for Naval personnel usually featured their nation's symbols in impressive compositions with lovely detail work. This magnificent piece features the naval flags of the nations whose warships had rights in treaty ports. This particular artist included, likely for composition purposes, the Imperial Chinese Dragon flag and the Imperial Russian naval ensign though both empires had ceased to exist.
The largest and most important of these embroideries could feature central vignettes of the sailor's ships. These exceptional creations were the highest expression of this art form. They were also the most expensive and delicate works of the genre and consequently few were produced.
This embroidery is inscribed," In Memory of my Cruise around the World P.I., Hawaii, China, and Japan," On the lower part of the embroidery it continues, "Thomas Columbo, 1922-1925". The central vignette features embroidered portraits of the US Armored Cruiser 'HURON' which was flagship of the Asiatic Fleet, and the US Gunboat 'SACRAMENTO'. Both ships had colorful careers in Chinese waters.
This wonderful and historic embroidery is doubly rare being in near new condition! The colors bold are brilliant and we can find no damage. It was found years ago folded in protective packing and evidently had never been displayed. We had it expertly framed and have kept it in our personal collection.
We hope it will go into a collection where it will give the new owners as much pleasure as it has given us. Please see the extensive photos of this piece by clicking on the photo above or the link at the bottom of the page.
Please call for more information on this item.
Dimensions: 39" x 28"
Price: $3250.00
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