A Monumental Chinese Silk Embroidered Altar Frontal Valance with Daoist Immortals

Guangxu Period (1871-1908), with inscription to the reverse: 光緒貳季桂月(Guangxu reign, second autumn, cassia month), 六逸堂瑞宗辦 (Made by Ruizong of Liuyi Hall), moss green silk ground embroidered with fine polychrome silk thread, depicting Daoist Immortals in lush and beautiful landscape amidst cloud scrolls, flowering peach trees, and rockwork, the upper apricot orange ground border is embroidered with auspicious motifs of bats, treasure baskets, and endless knot emblems, the lower edge is finished with a woven net band suspending silk tassels in plum, olive, and beige tones, the reverse lined with light blue cotton silk fabric.

Open 35 x 144 in., folded 4 x 20 x 18 in.

From the Collection of John and Sandra Christian, III, of New York, San Francisco, and Richmond

John Wortham Christian III (1951–2023) of Richmond, Virginia, was a lifelong traveler and collector whose appreciation for the arts and cultures of Asia developed through decades of international travel. After graduating from Duke University, Christian began his career with Bloomingdale’s in New York, where his work as a buyer and later Vice President of Contemporary Apparel took him extensively throughout Europe, Far East Asia, Southeast Asia, and India in search of emerging designers, artisans, and traditional crafts.

He later moved to San Francisco to join I. Magnin, eventually serving as Vice President and General Merchandise Manager. Travel remained a defining passion throughout his life. Christian and his wife, Sandra, sought out destinations well beyond the conventional tourist routes, traveling extensively in Asia and the Himalayas, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, and other parts of Southeast Asia. These journeys fostered their enduring interest in the art, craftsmanship, and material cultures of the countries they visited.

Overall very good condition; the main embroidery panel is in excellent condition; the mounting and some of apricot silk band has scattered fading and discoloration as well as some small holes and wear from display; repairs to lining.