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Five Oxen Vase
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Five Oxen Vase
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Five Oxen Vase

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.06032013-28-1.a-b
Object Type Vase
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium ceramic (porcelain), paint, ink, metal (gold, unknown), wood
DimensionsOverall - 3D (Vase) H 10 1/2 in x Diam 11 1/4 in (26.7 cm x 28.6 cm )
 Overall - 3D (Vase on Stand) H 14 7/8 in x Diam 11 1/4 in (37.8 cm x 28.6 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionA gold-inlaid vase with a depiction of the "Five Oxen" from the Tang Dynasty wrapped around the surface. The vase is primarily yellow and has gold trim around the opening. The top and bottom have multi-colored floral decoration. There are red seals and black writing, both in Chinese, throughout. The vase sits on a brown wooden lazy susan.
Inscriptions and MarkingsInscribed on bottom: [maker's mark]
Historical NoteThe vase is based on the Tang Dynasty painting "Five Oxen" by Han Huang, which is one of the ten classic paintings of China.
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.
In Collection(s)
Related Event(s)
    Not on view
    Related Links
    The original “Five Oxen” painting by Han Huang can be seen at the Palace Museum in Beijing: "Five Oxen"