Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Silk Family Portrait
Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.720024.a-b
Object Type
Silkwork
Medium
textile (silk), wood, metal (brass)
DimensionsOverall H 49 1/2 in x W 39 in x D 2 1/4 in (125.7 cm x 99.1 cm x 5.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionPhysical DescriptionSilk embroidered portrait of the First Family. Sasha is on the left, with her President Obama's arm around her. President Obama is centered, with his other arm resting on his leg. Malia seated in front to the right and Michelle is further to the right, beside the President. Michelle has an arm forward resting on Malia's knee. The background is royal blue silk that surrounds the family. Sasha is in a yellow dress, President Obama is in a suit and blue tie, Malia wear a light blue dress, and Michelle wears a purple dress. All members of the family are smiling.
Inscriptions and MarkingsStamped in lower left of obverse: [maker's marks]
Historical NoteThis item was received by President Barack Obama from the President of the People's Republic of China, Hu Jintao, during a diplomatic exchange at the White House on November 1, 2009. The artwork was created by Bu Yuan, Curator of the Shen Shou Art Museum in Nantong, China, together with three senior craftspeople and four craftspeople. It took them more than two months to complete.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 DetailsNational 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 and Museum. The Obama Presidential Library and Museum 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.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Related Links
The South China Morning Post named this portrait one of China’s most memorable diplomatic gifts: "5 of China’s most memorable diplomatic gifts to world leaders"
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