Fine Chinese silk embroidered lady's robe depicting several types of birds including phoenix, cranes, pheasants, and songbirds. Highly detailed polychromed stitchwork in various forms, couched metallic gold and silver threadwork on red ground. Bordered in polychrome stitchwork depicting birds and floral motifs on black ground. Four pankou/frog closures. Unlined. Likely late Qing Dynasty or early Republic of China. Length 55 inches, sleeve to sleeve 71.5 inches. Provenance: From the Estate of Margaret Orr Childs; first purchased in Asia by Ambassador George W. Guthrie, and thence by descent through the family. Guthrie was appointed United States Ambassador to Japan on May 20, 1913. He was accredited as special Ambassador and represented the President and the people of the United States at the funeral of Empress Shoken, the Dowager Empress of Japan, on April 7, 1914, and was the personal representative of President Wilson at the coronation of Emperor Taisho of Japan on September 30, 1915. He died while at that post in Tokyo in 1917, after collapsing while playing golf with an American reporter. The Japanese government sent the armored cruiser Azuma to return his body to San Francisco as a mark of respect.

Some light fading, three frayed areas near back of collar, loose threads at collar, very minor loose threads throughout, fraying at left underarm area, some staining and very minor small holes throughout. Merchandise will be packed and transported by the purchaser at their own risk and expense. A list of recommended shippers is on our website: https://www.conceptgallery.com/auctions/shipping/ .