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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Japanese Hyotan Drinking Gourd
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

Japanese Hyotan Drinking Gourd

Artifact ID1985.00011.04a-c
Object Type Vessel, Drink Serving
Gifter
Date November 11, 1983
Medium Wood, Paint, Cord, Gourd (calabash)
Dimensions13 in. (33 cm)
Physical DescriptionA dried gourd (.04a) displayed on a wooden stand (.04b) with a stopper (.04c). The gourd is inscribed in red paint “Ron, Yasu, Souvenir Of Hinode, Tokyo, Nov. 11, 1983.” Tied around the neck of the gourd are red cords and tassels.
Historical NoteOn January 2, 1985, President Reagan met with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone for an official working visit in the library of the President's suite at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. President Reagan had visited Nakasone in Japan the past November. In LA they discussed a number of key regional and international issues, with a special focus on relations with the Soviet Union and the arms reduction talks in Geneva. After the meeting Naksone said, "President Reagan and I have just completed a very fruitful discussion. I believe that there are three distinctive elements in the current Japan-U.S. relationship. They are trust, responsibility, and friendship." Naksone had presented President Reagan with several gifts in the spirit of that friendship. Nakasone explained that while the Japanese traditional use the Hyotan bottle gourds (calabash plant [Lagenaria siceraria]) to drink water while in the mountain, he said, “I hope you use this one to drink the California wine.”
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to First Lady Nancy Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Foreign Officials (National Archives Identifier 6816364)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of 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 your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Country/CultureJapan
In Collection(s)