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Korean Lacquerware Jewelry Box
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Korean Lacquerware Jewelry Box
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Korean Lacquerware Jewelry Box

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.01122012-29-3
Object Type Box, Jewelry
Artist (South Korean)
Gifter
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 1964)
Medium wood, shell (mother of pearl, unknown), glass, metal, paint, textile, adhesive
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 14 1/4 in x W 10 7/8 in x D 7 in (36.2 cm x 27.6 cm x 17.8 cm )
Physical DescriptionTraditional Korean lacquerware bureau style jewelry box with an intricate inlaid rainbow iridescent mother-of-pearl design. The front of the jewelry box has two doors and a slide out drawer, all framed by a geometric design, and opened with silver-toned knobs in the shape of turtles. Both the doors and the drawer have depictions of a lake scene with pagodas, mountains, fishermen in boats, and trees with low hanging branches. The same motifs are depicted on the top and sides of box, with waterfalls added on each side. The top trim has inlaid storks and moons on each side. The bottom trim and feet have boats and fishermen. Inside the main compartment of the box there are two sections, the left side has series of three drawers, each inlaid with storks and a moon. The right side is mirrored with red velvet lining and has a necklace carousel painted gold hanging from the top.
Historical NoteReceived on the occasion of a state visit to the White House by South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and South Korean First Lady Kim Yoon-ok in October, 2011.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to First Lady Michelle 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 66540607)
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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