A Pair of Silkwork ‘Woolies’

A rare and interesting pair of sailors’ woolwork pictures done in Chinese silks and when the maker was at anchor in Chinese waters; the silk being a favourite commodity for western merchants to ship back to the west, the frames made for the works and of a popular type often referred to as ‘Chinese Chippendale’ and finished in a plum coloured lacquer with a gilt sight edge.

One work depicts a top-sail schooner and flies what is very probably an American house flag, the schooner a type of sea-craft favoured by American traders for their speed, agility, and ability to be sailed by a smaller crew. They played a crucial role in American trade, privateering, and defense.
The second work depicts a steam-assisted barque of the British merchant fleet.

Both works are in excellent condition, presumably having not been hung in a position subject to strong light. The silk remains in good order and they retain an excellent level of colour. The back boards show ghosting from news papers of the Boston Herald that were previously pasted to close the framing.

Framed dimensions:22 inches x 15.5 inches