Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Salem's ships sailed to the farthest port of the rich East
Salem's ships sailed to the farthest port of the rich East

Salem's ships sailed to the farthest port of the rich East

Date18th century
Object number00030067
NameQuilted picture
MediumTextile; gold thread
DimensionsOverall: 710 x 945 mm, 5.2 kg
ClassificationsDecorative and folk art
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis framed and glazed quilted picture depicts an American barque sailing into port, entitled 'Salem's Ships Sailed to the Farthest Port of the Rich East'.HistoryBy 1790, Salem, Massachusetts had developed as the primary port from which vessels sailed to the East in the China Trade. It was also the sixth largest city in America at the time, importing and exporting products to and from Europe, the West Indies, Sumatra and China. Ships from Salem also visited Australia, Russia, Japan and Africa. The captains of Salem had a long tradition of bringing back mementos of their voyages. However the 19th Century saw the decline of shipping and the influence of Salem became increasingly overshadowed by New York and Boston. SignificanceThis wool work is likely to be a keepsake made by one of the common sailors onboard a China Trade vessel from Salem. Many of the luxury goods that were brought back have made their way into museum collections.