Provenance:

The Scroll Painting Collection of James Clyde Taylor (Lots 73-80)

James Clyde Taylor was born in Crewe, Nottoway County, Virginia in 1889, and studied at the University of Virginia before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1917. During his naval career, Lieutenant Commander Taylor sailed aboard various vessels, with his longest service on the USS Gold Star. This vessel left the United States in 1924, and assumed the role of station ship at Guam. During the 1920s and 1930s, Lt. Taylor made frequent voyages upon the Gold Star to the ports of China, Japan and the Philippines, delivering fuel and supplies to the garrisons. It was on these voyages that Lt. Taylor became fascinated with the art and culture of Asia, particularly Chinese paintings. He built his collection over a number of years while travelling on the Gold Star, and also when stationed in Guam with his wife and son. He eventually returned to the United States, but continued to explore Asia throughout his life. His passion for Asian art was contagious, and his collection was passed by descent to his grandson, Robert U. Taylor, who is also a fervent collector.