Enormous commemorative silk embroidery tapestry headed with the words, “In Memory of Our Famous Cruise Around the World,” 24.5 x 41.5, designed by accomplished Japanese artisans to honor the Great White Fleet’s 1908 worldwide journey. Within a beautiful patriotic bald eagle and bundle of American flags, the silk tapestry depicts President Roosevelt in the center, along with Admirals Sperry and Evans. The impressive fleet is portrayed within the gold embroidered frame below, showing the sixteen battleships coming into Tokyo Bay with Mount Fuji in the background. Nautical designs including a lifesaver decorating the bottom, along with a banner reading “E Pluribus Unum.” Framed to an overall size of 28 x 45. Some fraying to the embroidery and the top of the frame separating from the piece, otherwise fine condition. The Great White Fleet, a US Navy battle fleet of sixteen ships painted with bright white hulls, undertook a voyage around the world beginning in December 1907. President Roosevelt sought to demonstrate growing American military power and blue-water navy capability to the rest of the world, while also providing practical experience for US naval personnel. The fleet was particularly well-received in Japan, where thousands of schoolchildren waving American flags greeted the men as they came ashore. Oversized.
