Antique Japanese Textile Panel of American Historical Great White Fleet

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Nicknamed Great White Fleet, the sailing of the United States Navy battleships around the globe from December 16, 1907 to … Read more Nicknamed Great White Fleet, the sailing of the United States Navy battleships around the globe from December 16, 1907 to February 22, 1909 by order of United States President Theodore Roosevelt was to make friendly courtesy visits to numerous countries while displaying new U.S. naval power to the world. The hulls of these ships were painted a stark white, giving the armada its nickname. Many participants purchased such an embroidery banner overseas as a souvenir which was clearly reflected on the piece as "In Remembrance Of My Cruise In China Japan And Philippine Waters". Patriotic in nature, the banner features an eagle with spreading wings on the background of shooting stars and a large draped US flag. What exceptional of this piece is that it is more elaborate than most with a photograph portrait of President Theodore Roosevelt set at the center, flanked by two naval generals, above a large framed scene of battleship (appears to be gouache). Below, a frame in the shape of life preserver holds the portrait of the owner who bought the piece, an office it seems, between crossed cannons and cannonballs. On the very bottom, a ribbon of "E PLURIBUS UNUM" flutters in the wind. Nicely reframed in a black wood frame with a subtle silver-graphite trim. Glass is original antique rolled glass.
A nearly identical panel except the owner portrait was illustrated on page 80 of "Threads of Silk and Gold Ornamental Textiles from Meiji Japan" Ashmolean. It was sold in 1908 by the George Washington Company, Yokohama Japan to a sailor by name of Warren Anderson of Philadelphia. The current one on offer was likely from the same source but sold to an officer in the portrait.
Americana in appearance, the embroidery was all done in traditional Japanese fashion of the time, with satin stiches and crouching to build up the relief. Very interesting piece that provide a fascinating window of a historical moment and the interaction of two cultures. See less