Chinese two-tier, four-lobed silk embroidered yun jian /cloud collar with pankou/frog closures. Early 20th century. Butterflies and peonies in blue stitchwork over blue ground, and pink and green stitchwork over yellow ground. Likely late Qing Dynasty or early Republic of China. 30.5 x 30.5 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.

Staining in some areas, yellow silk faded on second tier, edges frayed in several areas. Silk backing frayed and worn in some areas particularly at collar, with some loss. 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/ .