Oversized 1910 American Naval Silk Embroidered Souvenir Tapestry

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Description

A magnificent early 20th-century U.S. Navy silk embroidered presentation tapestry, created in East Asia around 1910 for American sailors to … Read more A magnificent early 20th-century U.S. Navy silk embroidered presentation tapestry, created in East Asia around 1910 for American sailors to send home as souvenirs during Pacific cruises. These elaborately stitched commemoratives were popular during Theodore Roosevelt’s Open Door Policy era and were often purchased by servicemen stationed in East Asia.
This exceptional example features extraordinarily fine embroidery work depicting the American eagle with fully spread wings perched above crossed U.S. flags and a patriotically striped shield. Draped is a spectacular field of 46 embroidered stars, corresponding to the U.S. flag between 1908 and 1912.
At center is a portrait of the sailor who commissioned the piece, with an original photograph of his warship placed below it—an important documentation detail rarely preserved. Additional small inset portraits of his shipmates appear near the lower register.
The lower section contains symbols of naval service including a stack of cannonballs which indicates that these sailors were GUNNER MATES for the U.S. Navy. Also, this piece includes crossed naval implements, an anchor, and a star-bordered medallion. A silk banner with “E. Pluribus Unum” completes the patriotic composition.
Housed in a period carved and gilded frame, the artwork remains a striking and historically significant naval memorial.
A beautifully preserved example of Oriental Export needlework for the Great White Fleet period, combining military history, American iconography, and exquisite craftsmanship.
Dimensions Including Frame: 58" H × 48" W × 3" D See less