Skip to main content
Birth of Silver
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Birth of Silver
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Birth of Silver

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.093609
Object Type Screen, Folding
Gifter
Artist (Japanese, 1945)
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium wood, stone, shell (mother of pearl) paint, metal, gemstone (pearl), textile, adhesive, ink
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 61 1/4 in x W 62 in x D 1 1/8 in (155.6 cm x 157.5 cm x 2.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionTwo-panel folding screen with a painting containing gold and silver paint with multi-colored rocks and bits of mother-of-pearl adhered throughout. Some of the rocks and pearls are painted the same color as the overall painting, while some are painted green, yellow, or red. Some bits of the mother-of-pearl are left as their natural color. The rocks and mother-of-pearl form a circular pattern towards the top of the painting with an adhered pearl at its center. There is a section of blue paint showing through at the bottom left corner.

The painting contains a tan textile border with a blue inner stripe and a dark wooden frame. There are three brown metal hinges at the center of the painting that connect the two halves of the folding screen.
Historical NoteGifted on the occasion of President Barack Obama's official visit to Japan in April 2014.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama during the Obama administration. It was received through the 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 SeriesDomestic Gifts (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 Barack Obama Presidential Library. The Barack 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