Lot 686
A PAIR OF NEEDLEWORK PICTURES OF H.M.A.M.C. EMPRESS OF ASIA AND EMDEN. A pair of finely worked needlework ships pictures 'H.M.A.M.C. Empress of Asia' and companion 'All that was left of the Emden', the ship in a considerable state of damage, both framed and glazed, 20.5 x 28cm visible and 25 x 33cm overall. The Empress of Asia, built in 1912/13, was initially intended as an ocean liner. The First World War saw her in service as a troopship and armed merchant cruiser. Eventually being sunk by Japanese aircraft during the Second World War. These two works recount the ships involvement with the sinking of the German Light Cruiser SMS Emden in the Indian Ocean late in 1914. The battle largely between Emden and the Australian light cruiser HMAS Sydney resulted in serious damage and the eventual beaching of the German ship. The Empress of Asia transported wounded German prisoners from the Emden to Colombo following the sinking. The captain of the Emden, Karl von Muller has gained a reputation as the 'gentleman-of-war' and a highly successful captain playing successful parts in the Battle of Penang and Cocos and sinking many enemy ships.
