Pair of fine hand painted Japanese porcelain plates. A stylized eagle from the Great Seal of the US at center, bordered in peonies, cherry blossoms, and Japanese minka in rich blue, oranges, green and gilt, c. 1917. 9.25 inches. Provenance: From the Estate of Margaret Orr Childs, first owned by Ambassador George W. Guthrie, and thence by descent through the family. The plates are part of a set commissioned by Guthrie’s wife, Florence Julia Howe Guthrie, for use in entertaining during official events at the ambassador’s residence. They were designed to represent harmony and friendship between the US and Japan. Part of this set is in the collection of the National Museum of American Diplomacy. 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.

In good condition. Some inherent firing imperfections on underside. 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/ .