Skip to main content
The Highest Virtue Is Like Water
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
The Highest Virtue Is Like Water
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

The Highest Virtue Is Like Water

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.108893
Object Type Calligraphy
Gifter
Artist (South Korean, 1944)
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Date 2015
Medium paper (rice), ink
DimensionsOverall H 26 1/8 in x W 64 3/4 in x D 1 1/2 in (66.4 cm x 164.5 cm x 3.8 cm )
Physical DescriptionFramed black Chinese calligraphy on gold rice paper which translates to "The highest virtue is like water."
Historical NoteReceived on the occasion of a bilateral meeting between President Barack Obama and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the White House on August 4, 2015, which coincided with President Obama's birthday. Ban Ki-moon created the calligraphy himself; the phrase, which translates to "The highest virtue is like water," comes from the Chinese scholar Lao Tzu and is a personal motto of Ban Ki-moon.
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