| SAILOR’S SOUVENIR EMBROIDERY FROM THE ORIENT WITH AMERICAN & IRISH PATRIOTIC IMAGERY, SUPPORTING A UNITED, PRO-CATHOLIC IRELAND, circa 1890-1910 |
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| Web ID: | pat-791 |
| Available: | In Stock |
| Frame Size (H x L): | 27.75" x 29.25" |
| Flag Size (H x L): | 16.75" x 18" |
| Description: | |
| Between roughly 1880 and 1915, American sailors visiting the orient could obtain beautiful needlework embroideries on shore with patriotic, American themes. These extraordinary works of art were acquired as mementos of a long voyage, often with the hope that they might be presented as gifts for loved ones and friends. Standardized designs were available, but all could be customized to the buyer’s content and anything could be requested, including completely customized designs. Using silk floss and silk thread, embellished with metallic bullion-covered cord, this particular work, made circa 1890-1910, is of a custom-made style that incorporates imagery for an American, but focuses on the buyer’s Irish heritage. The central image is a tree, at the feet of which are cannonballs and with a powder horn hung on a low, cut branch, no doubt to signify the ongoing struggle of Irish Catholics against British control of the island and/or a portion thereof. Clasped hands together in the center are gripped within a link of a chain that runs perpendicular to them, with the chain extending north and south and stylized arms continuing east and west, connecting the names of the four regions of Ireland. Flanking the tree to the left and right are the words “United Ireland.” Below and to one side are the familiar harp, represented in Irish history as far back as the 8th century, and what is intended to represent an Irish wolfhound, long represented in the nation’s folklore and as a national symbol. In the background is a landscape of rolling hills, with a farm and a rising, red sun. To the other side is a flag draped cannon and raised spears, superimposed by a federal eagle carrying a patriotic shield, with the flag protruding above, a stand of tents in the background, and trios of stacked cannonballs. Because the American objects represent infantry and artillery as opposed to naval imagery, it seems likely that the buyer of this textile was either a Marine, or was purchasing this as a gift for someone else, perhaps a brother or a father, or some other friend or family member who served another branch of the American military. Because Irish-American themes are really rare in early patriotic textiles, and because the imagery is so wonderful this example, this is a tremendous find for an applicable recipient or collector. Mounting: The black-painted molding with its wide, Serpentine profile and gilded inner lip, is Italian. The 12-ply, 100% cotton mat has a beveled edge and is covered with 100% cotton twill, black in color, that was washed and treated for colorfastness. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic (Plexiglas). Condition: There is some thread loss, fading, and minor damage, but the textile displays beautifully. |
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| Video: | |
| Collector Level: | Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts |
| Flag Type: | |
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| Earliest Date of Origin: | 1890 |
| Latest Date of Origin: | 1910 |
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| War Association: | |
| Price: | Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281 |
| E-mail: | info@jeffbridgman.com |
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