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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography credit Joel Benjamin
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography credit Joel Benjamin
Chest
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography credit Joel Benjamin
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Chest

Artifact IDMO 63.510a
Object Type Chest
Date 1962
Date Presented3/21/1962
Gifter
Maker (Lahore, Pakistan)
Place of GiftLahore, Pakistan
Place MadeLahore, Pakistan, Asia
Medium Silver, velvet
DimensionsOverall H 5 1/2 in x W 16 in (14 cm x 40.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionHinged silver box with chased decoration around top, on four corners, and on base. On the front panel is a bas relief of the Shalimar Gardens. Engraved on top of lid is the inscription: Mrs. John F. Kennedy by the Citizens of Lahore 21st March 1962. The chest is lined with blue velvet and contained a silk scroll.
Historical NoteThis chest was presented to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy by the citizens of Lahore, Pakistan during her state visit to the Shalimar Gardens on March 21, 1962.

The structure shown on the chest is one of the architectural elements within the 16 acre Shalimar Gardens, constructed by Shah Jahan in 1641-2. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is considered an embodiment of the highest levels of Mughal aesthetic design, layering Persian influences over medieval Islamic garden traditions.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a foreign official to the President and First Lady received through the Executive office during the Kennedy Administration and transferred to the General Service Administration where it was held until donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view