Skip to main content
1987.271; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
1987.271; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
Bohemian Vase
1987.271; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
1987.271; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum

Bohemian Vase

Artifact ID1987.271
Object Type Vase
Gifter
Date before 1976
Medium glass, metal, ceramic, paint
DimensionsOverall H 5 1/2 in x W 7 5/8 in x D 3 3/4 in (14 cm x 19.3 cm x 9.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionA green glass vase is decorated with gilded accents and pastel ceramic floral motifs.
Historical NoteElena Ceausescu, wife of Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu, gifted this hand-painted glass vase to First Lady Betty Ford in August 1975. The Fords’ visit to Romania was part of the diplomatic trip surrounding President Ford’s participation in the Conference for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Helsinki, Finland. The vase, made in Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovakia), is an example of Bohemian glass, an artisanal tradition that dates from the thirteenth century. Bohemian glass is renowned for its high quality and beautiful designs.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to First Lady Betty Ford during the Ford Administration. It was personally presented to her and was maintained at the Executive Office of the President until its transfer to the National Archives in 1981 for deposit with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.
National Archives Catalog CollectionGerald R. Ford Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 620931)
National Archives Catalog SeriesHead of State Gifts Given to President Gerald R. Ford (74639696)
Use Restriction Status Unrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Collections