Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  EXCEPTIONAL SAILOR’S SOUVENIR EMBROIDERY FROM THE ORIENT, WITH 13 STARS, CROSSED FLAGS, AND A FEDERAL EAGLE, PERCHED FOR FLIGHT, ON A PATRIOTIC SHIELD; SIGNIFICANTLY LARGER AND MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN WHAT IS TYPICALLY ENCOUNTERED, circa 1885-1910

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 29.5" x 35.75"
Flag Size (H x L): Site: 25.5" x 30.5"
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.

Using silk floss and striped, silk thread, elaborately highlighted with silver metallic bullion embellishments and tassels, the work combines various types of decorative stitching and embroidery. Artists working the piers in port towns would create these elaborate pictures, which came in standardized designs or could be customized to the buyer's content. Executed on silk, like this example, or sometimes on velvet, the most common devices included eagles, flags, and shields. Although not present here, many contained various maritime elements.

This particular example features a war-like eagle, perched upon a federal shield, with olive branches and a cluster of arrows emerging below. Flanking to each side and rising above are crossed American flags, a billowing streamer with the American motto, in Latin: "E Pluribus. Unum" (out of many, one). Above this and interspersed are 13 stars to reflect the original colonies. In some cases, the age of the textile can be guessed from the star count on the flags. Here the stars merely help to provide decorative representations of the national flag.

Note in particular, the glass eye of the eagle. The attention to detail is exceptional. This is a significantly larger version than what I typically encounter, and in a different format than most, with particularly nice trapunto (stuffed) work, to make the textile three-dimensional.

Mounting: The gilded molding dates to the early 20th century. To this a rippled profile molding, black with gold highlights, was added as a cap. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective, crystal clear, anti-reflective, museum glass. Condition: There is minor to modest soiling in the white embroidery, and there is very minor fading and fabric breakdown in the background fabric. The overall condition is exceptional among known examples.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type:
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1885
Latest Date of Origin: 1910
State/Affiliation:
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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