Featured Help with Scarf, please

Hello All - we're in the midst of moving preparations, and I have my Grandmother's scarf, which was framed many years ago, to tranport. I thought I'd remove it from the frame and carefully roll it in tissue and take to someone who can conserve it, but once I looked at how it was secured inside the frame I got too intimidated to remove it myself.
My question is pretty simple - any idea where it came from, what it represents, and/or if I need to treat it with kid gloves? The embroidery is on brown silk and it seems very fragile.
I apologize for this being the only photo (with my shadow in the center) but that's the best I can do as I rush around with packing materials.
Many thanks in advance!

 

I don't think that was an actual scarf when it was out of frame.

 

It appears to be an embroidered Chinese textile panel. And the silk is already shattering. The least you handle it the better. I suggest you leave as be until those knowledgable here have a chance to read your post.

Debora

 

@Northern Lights Lodge??

 

How big is it? It's very reminiscent of a rank badge.

 

I read "scarf" and filled in the size blank to larger. But rank badge an interesting idea.

Debora

 

I agree it looks Chinese, and somewhat similar to a rank badge, but not a style I am familiar with.
I agree with @Debora that you should not remove it from the frame. From the condition issues I can see, it may fall apart in your hands. Some types of silk can become very brittle with age, extremely delicate. It would be best to locate a textile conservator who could take a look and make suggestions for treatment.

 

@Jimmy Lee is the expert, but this does not appear to me to be a rank badge. First, rank badges are square. Usually 11 inches by 11 inches but can be 12 x 12 and sometime smaller. Think insignia on the front and back of a person's robe signifying their rank in the civil service or the military. The front piece was separated into two halves to allow the robe to open. This item also lacks a sun. Rank badges usually have a sun (the emperor) that the bird or beast is looking up to.
How artifacts like your piece came into being generally is that elaborately embroidered clothing worn by the higher Chinese society was cut up into pieces and an edging added. Though this is not always the case. Fragments can come from a variety of sources. Your piece does not have the artistry of a robe or piece of clothing for a special occasion. Its simple stiches point to a day to day wear. The edging put on these pieces was sometimes cheap, so it is fraying. Often these pieces were hung where they were exposed to the sun. The main section looks in good condition. I don't think it is worth taking it to a conservator, but that is your choice. I have had pieces reframed without damage to the underlying silk. Just have it reframed by someone who knows what they are doing. Perhaps transport it in a tube, so it doesn't get creased. Be sure to rehang it soon. Keep it out of the sun, away from moisture, and any negative conditions.

 

Thanks to all of you for your replies! The packing is taking up all our time, so I apologize for not adding the measurement when I posted the picture of the scarf. From inside edge to inside edge it's 37" x 34". I'll follow your suggestions, KikoBlueEyes -- with luck it'll get to our destination intact.

 

Sorry I missed this one! Apparently, March was a busy month for me - I missed a few posts... we were travelling to see familly.

How pretty! I'm not an expert in Chinese textiles... but...

Yes, I'd personally have it framed; archivally... it is lovely. I'd transport it FLAT if possible! Definitely keep out of the sun, moisture, and extreme temps. When framed; I'd make sure they mount it using non evasive techniques, acid free mat board, away from the glass and the glass should be museum quality that keeps out the UV.

Cheerio, Leslie