The Dow family traveled extensively. From Europe to the Caribbean and points throughout the United States they took in the sites and culture of the world around them. One of the trips we know the most about though, is a 1923 trip to Japan. Grace kept a travel journal through the trip, so we know that they traveled to many cities throughout the country; they visited gardens and Shinto temples. She experienced a Japanese tea and even rafted down a river.
They ended up spending time in Kyoto, where they purchased this etagere. From there, the piece was shipped back to Midland and it has been in the foyer, we think, ever since. The two youngest Dow daughters, Margaret and Dorothy, had wedding portrats taken in the foyer and the etagere is visible in those photographs.
