"From the Orient: Souvenirs from Captain Samuel Francis Du Pont's Voyage of 1857-1858"

March 14, 2009, through December 31, 2009
Eleutherian Mills Residence

In 1852 Samuel Francis Du Pont (1803-1865) was named Superintendent of the Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations in New York City. Commonly called the "Crystal Palace," it was here that Du Pont became very interested in acquiring furnishings and trade goods from the Orient for his own home.

In 1857, Du Pont became commander of the U.S.S. Minnesota for a voyage to transport American diplomat William B. Reed to China. Arriving in Hong Kong on November 5, 1857, Du Pont remained in the Orient for slightly more than one year before leaving on December 7, 1858. On his return trip, he visited China, Japan, and India.

His interest continued throughout his voyage, and he stopped frequently while in China and Japan, ordering decorative and fine arts, furnishings, and souvenirs not only for himself and his wife, Sophie, but for many members of his family. The exhibit will display some of these objects, such as ornate furniture, artwork, decorative arts, and other souvenirs from his trip.