19th century Chinese silk embroidered wedding altar frontal. With an apricot field filled with fu dogs or guardian lions, bats, birds, and floral motifs. Bordered by black embroidered with gold flowers.

Provenance: From the collection of Malcolm E. Lein, former director of the Minnesota Museum of American Art. Malcolm Emil Lein (1913-2003) was the director of the Minnesota Museum of American Art during its early and formative years. During his 30-year tenure, he fought to procure the museum funding, grow its permanent collection, and establish it as a St. Paul’s premiere gallery. Along with his wife Miriam, who worked at the Walker Art Center, he was a fixture in the Twin Cities artistic community throughout his life.

Apricot field – height: 60 1/2 x width: 69 in.
Whole textile – height: 78 x width: 81 in.