It's a Japanese representation of the Madonna and Child (Catholic, I would think). The orb symbolises the Christ-child's dominion over creation. You'll find a very similar one here:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/25/eb/c0/25ebc066cffbaa766133d9de3ff33c24.jpg
Googling "Japanese madonna and child on silk" should bring up more information. I can't help with the artist since I can't read Japanese.
