Inaugural Vases By Lenox Presented To Obama And Biden: All About Those Official Gifts (PHOTOS)

The story behind the inaugural gifts.

President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were honored with inaugural gifts today during the inaugural luncheon. The gifts presented to them were custom-made, 17-inch crystal vases designed by Lenox Group Inc. The president received one that was engraved with an image of the White House while Mr. Biden's had the Capitol building. They are each placed in cherry wood boxes crafted by McGraw Wood Products of McGraw, NY and sit atop a display base commemorating the Presidential Inauguration.

The receiving of vases started in 1989 with former president George H.W. Bush. According to a press release, the company worked for five months to create the look and each is approved by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

inaugural vases
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Lenox is a well-known name in dinnerware as the first American china to be used in the White House in 1918. Since then, Lenox china has been used during the Reagan, Clinton and Bush administrations. And the Obamas and guests ate off of Lenox plates.

Click through our slideshow to see photos and head over to Lenox for more information.

Inaugural Vases

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