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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
Bowl with Bird Design
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography credit Joel Benjamin
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Bowl with Bird Design

Artifact IDMO 63.542
Object Type Bowl, Decorative
Date 10th century
Date Presented4/11/62
Gifter
Place MadeNishapur, Iran
Place of GiftWashington, D.C., United States
Medium Ceramic
DimensionsOverall Diam 8 1/2 in (21.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionCeramic bowl with off white glaze. The interior of the bowl is decorated with a bird and scroll design in dark brown slip as an example of the calligraphic ware produced in the Nishapur region.
Historical NoteThis bowl was presented to President and Mrs. Kennedy by Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, Shah of Iran (1941-1979), during his state visit to the White House on April 11, 1962.

The inspiration for white or almost white ceramic bodies came to the Middle East from China over the trade routes of Central Asia. An echo of the slip-painted northern Chinese T'zu-Chou ware is seen in the freely brushed-on decoration of this bowl.
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