Chinese kesi panel, cut silk tapestry, Qing Dynasty. Depicting a metallic gold four-claw front facing dragon roundel amongst polychrome clouds, bats, and the Taoist symbols of the Eight Immortals, all above waves, mountains, rocks, and lishui stripe border. Backed in coral silk. 34 x 37.5 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 throughout, two holes in lower left area, some loose threads. 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/ .