• Sewing Table, Decatur House Collection
    Unknown
    furniture
    furnishings
    tables
    Decatur House
    This sewing table is made of wood and coated with between three and fifteen layers of fine black and gold lacquer. The sewing table was made in the early 19th century and is believed to have been an engagement gift from Stephen Decatur to his fiancée — a “Miss. King.” The King family passed the table down from generation to generation despite the couple not marrying. Stephen Decatur would go on to marry Susan Wheeler. The sewing table was made in China for the American market and originally had a silk bag attached to it, which was replaced with a mauve damask fabric in the 20th century. This table is a part of Decatur House Collection. In 2010, the White House Historical Association and National Trust entered into co-stewardship arrangement and Decatur House now serves as the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History.
  • Tea Box with White House Wallpaper
    Unknown
    Jacquemart et Benard
    wallpaper
    tea services
    containers
    serveware
    This is a tea box lined with French woodblock wallpaper. The box is believed to have been made in China circa 1811 while the wallpaper lining it is believed to be one of the only surviving artifacts from the pre-1814 President's House. First Lady Dolley Madison reportedly gave the wallpaper as a gift to Mary Latrobe, her friend and wife of architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. The inscription written on the wallpaper reads: "Paper upon the Drawing Room of the President's House in Mr. Madison's time. Given to my mother by Mrs. Madison." This was written by the Latrobes' daughter, Julia. The tea box was returned to the White House as a gift from the White House Historical Association in 1971. The wallpaper in the box is by Jacquemart de Benard from circa 1809 to 1811.
  • Tea Box with White House Wallpaper
    Unknown
    Jacquemart et Benard
    wallpaper
    tea services
    containers
    serveware
    This is a tea box lined with French woodblock wallpaper. The box is believed to have been made in China circa 1811 while the wallpaper lining it is believed to be one of the only surviving artifacts from the pre-1814 President's House. First Lady Dolley Madison reportedly gave the wallpaper as a gift to Mary Latrobe, her friend and wife of architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. The inscription written on the wallpaper reads: "Paper upon the Drawing Room of the President's House in Mr. Madison's time. Given to my mother by Mrs. Madison." This was written by the Latrobes' daughter, Julia. The tea box was returned to the White House as a gift from the White House Historical Association in 1971. The wallpaper in the box is by Jacquemart de Benard from circa 1809 to 1811.
  • Chinese Export Coffee Cup, Tudor Place Collection
    Unknown
    Tudor Place
    china
    This Chinese export coffee cup is believed to be the only remaining piece to a china service belonging to Martha Peter used at Tudor Place. Tudor Place was the Washington, D.C., home of Thomas and Martha Custis Peter. Martha Custis Peter was First Lady Martha Washington's granddaughter.
  • Dinner and Tea Service, Tudor Place Collection
    Unknown
    Tudor Place
    china
    These Chinese export porcelain pieces were part of a larger dinner and tea service that Martha Peter likely used to host formal dinners. The pieces include a punch bowl, serving dishes, teacups, and saucers. They are part of the collection at Tudor Place. Tudor Place was the Washington, D.C., home of Thomas and Martha Custis Peter. Martha Custis Peter was First Lady Martha Washington's granddaughter.
  • Satsuma Style Vase
    Unknown
    vase
    This Satsuma style vase is one of a pair that briefly resided on the Red Room mantel before being replaced by a pair of Tiffany vases during the Arthur Administration redecoration. The vases were moved to Green Room between 1884 and 1885. They were originally purchased in 1883.