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Ceramic Service Set
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Ceramic Service Set
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Ceramic Service Set

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.036821.a-c
Object Type Bowl, Soup
Gifter
Artist
Intended Recipient (American, 1964)
Date ca. 2011
Medium ceramic, pigment, glaze
DimensionsOverall - 3D (.a-b: Bowl with Lid) H 11 1/2 in x W 12 in x D 10 in (29.2 cm x 30.5 cm x 25.4 cm )
 Overall - 3D (.c: Ladle) H 10 in x W 6 1/2 in x D 4 1/4 in (25.4 cm x 16.5 cm x 10.8 cm )
Physical DescriptionA hand-painted and sculpted ceramic soup bowl (.a) with lid (.b) and ladle (.c). It is decorated with 3-dimensional and relief animals and plants in a safari-like scene. Included on the sides of the bowl are giraffes, zebras, birds, and and an elephant. Atop the lid is a standing zebra and two birds. The handle of the ladle is depicted as the neck and head of a giraffe, and there are two zebras and an elephant on the sides of the bowl of the ladle.
Historical NoteFirst Lady Michelle Obama received this ceramic service set from Graça Machel, widow of former South African President Nelson Mandela. The First Lady met with Mandela and Graça Machel during her visit to South Africa in June 2011. This gift was on display in the First Lady's Office in the East Wing from July 2011 until December 2016.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to First Lady Michelle Obama during the Obama administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence 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 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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