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.

The colors are bold and bright. The silk is in generally good condition. There is one small spot along the lower edge where the silk has shattered. There are a few small stains and discolorations throughout. Some discoloration visible along the center running vertically through the apricot field; visible in the lot listing. The black embroidered outline along the upper left character has come loose. No other areas of loose threads. Some discoloration to the copper pipe.