December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2021
Attractive example of an early 20th century patriotic U.S. naval trapunto banner commemorating a sailor's Pacific cruise. This embroidery was most likely made in Japan as a souvenir for the sailor to commemorate his expedition around the globe with the Great White Fleet between 1907 and 1909. The trapunto banner is constructed of beautiful silk floss and metallic thread that is embroidered on a dark blue silk background. The designs feature both American and Japanese themes and are very patriotic in nature. The words "IN MEMORY OF MY CRUISE CHINA JAPAN AND PHILLIPPINES WATERS 1907" are embroidered in a banner that stretches across the top. The banner is draped over a combative eagle in flight that is carrying a Japanese dragon gripped between its talons. The eagle is bold with elegant details to the feathers and even contains the details of a bloodshot eye. The eagle and dragon are flanked by a variety of ensigns that hang from the banner including Italian, Japanese, British, and German flags. The lower flags are surrounded by embroidered cherry blossom flowers. Underneath the eagle is a panoply of American flags with an Anchor centered in front with 3 arrows pointing upwards on each side. A puffy life ring hangs on the anchor and is adorned with hand painted red lilies, the center containing an elegant embroidery of the battleship USS West Virginia sailing through white waters. Finally there is a banner spread across the bottom that reads "E PLURIBUS UNUM". CONDITION: The colors remain strong and vibrant. The thick designs remain intact with no signs of loose threads. Slight stains on the life ring. Professionally framed and remains sturdy. This is an excellent example of a US Navy souvenir embroidery and is ready to hang and highlight a naval collection. JLD
Item Dimensions: 53" x 45"