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Mother of Pearl Box
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Mother of Pearl Box
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Mother of Pearl Box

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.703361
Object Type Box, Commemorative
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium metal, shell (mother of pearl), stone (lapis lazuli), adhesive, plastic, leather, enamel
DimensionsOverall H 3 in x W 8 3/8 in x D 7 in (7.6 cm x 21.3 cm x 17.8 cm )
Physical DescriptionA mother-of-pearl mosaic and gilt metal box designed to look like a castle with gold colored trim and blue lapis lazuli topped turrets. Along the edges, corners, and sides of the box are gold gilt decorative pieces over the tiles. When the lid is opened, a drawer on the front opens simultaneously to reveal a gold colored plaque with black text that reads "[Arabic and English] With Compliments His Highness the Amir of State of Kuwait". In the center of the opened box is a raised, angled mosaic depicting a ship on open waters that has the flag of Kuwait. The latch of the box is an enamel depiction of the emblem of Kuwait. The interior of the lid is lined in blue suede with the emblem of Kuwait in gold.
Historical NoteReceived from Amir Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah of Kuwait during a working visit to the White House on August 3, 2009.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts of State (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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