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Wedding Chest
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Wedding Chest
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA

Wedding Chest

Artifact IDMO 63.827.1
Object Type Chest
Date 1961
Maker
Gifter
Place MadeKrakow, Poland, Europe
Medium Wood, pigment
DimensionsOverall H 24 1/2 in x W 38 1/4 in x D 19 in (62.2 cm x 97.2 cm x 48.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionWedding chest handcrafted in Poland in the traditional Polish folk style. The exterior is painted various colors, designs and patterns. The interior is decorated with burnishing and inscribed "JFK 1961 R". The "R" stands for "Rok" meaning year in Polish.
Historical NoteWhen a bride and groom are married in Polish tradition, during the wedding ceremony their hands are bound with a piece of embroidered cloth and held over a loaf of bread. The embroidered cloth along with other treasured items was saved in a dowry chest like this one which became a popular piece of furniture in the married couple's house throughout their lifetime. During the same period, the artist made a second chest of modern design for Premier Khrushchev.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a member of the general public to the President and Mrs. Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President in 1963 and held by the General Service Administration until it was 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 Public (National Archives Identifier 1677327)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyUse Restriction NoteCopyright and other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is the user’s responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions.
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