Collections record Beta

Needlework

2002-14-2

Framed needlework with photograph, commemorating a soldier's tour of duty in China, Japan, the Philippines and Hawaii. Bust photograph portrait of a military officer at center, flanked on either size by various flags with a shield and eagle motif above. Below is an oval embroidered image of an American ship, the U.S.A.T. Thomas. Embroidered at the top "IN REMEMBRANCE OF MY CRUISE IN CHINA JAPAN," with embroidered stars underneath. Embroidered at bottom, on either side of boat, "PHILIPPINES" and "HAWAII."

Identifiable flags include: Imperial Dragon flag of China (left, front); Japanese naval flag (right, front); Philippines (left, fourth back); Kingdom or Territory of Hawaii (right, fifth back); United States (right, sixth back). Given the age, flags, and the history of the pictured ship, the soldier likely served in the Spanish-American War. From the insignia on his collar, the soldier served in Troop K, 3rd U.S. Cavalry Regiment.

The needlework is done in a style imitating earlier sailor's wool work pictures, commonly known as woolies. Woolies were popular between 1840 and 1880, although some examples exist from as late as World War I; in general, woolies fell out of fashion with the advent of photography and steamships. Most woolies depict ships, although some (like this later needlework) include patriotic symbols, flags, and landscapes and incorporate photographs and small bits of material found on the ship. It is likely that woolies were made both while at sea and after returning home (especially the larger, more elaborate pieces that would be difficult to complete and store while at sea). Possibly developing out of the woolie tradition, souvenir needlework pictures such as this example were likely purchased by sailors in one of the countries they visited. Some extant examples are marked with embroiderer's labels. One of the largest identified makers was the George Washington Company of Yokohama, which produced a catalog containing a variety of embroidered pictures, banners, kimonos, and other silk items that could be ordered by sailors while visiting Japan. The needleworks could be customized by inserting a photograph of the sailor and embroidering a picture of the sailor's vessel.

late 19th/early 20th century

21" x 16.5"

• photograph
• cotton