Skip to main content
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Butterfly Lacquerware Purse
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

Butterfly Lacquerware Purse

Artifact ID1986.00486.02
Object Type Purse
Maker (Minato, Tokyo, Japan)
Date 20th Century
Medium Wood, Metal (brass), Lacquer
Dimensions12 × 8 × 3 in. (30.5 × 20.3 × 7.6 cm)
Physical DescriptionA black lacquer hexagonal-shaped purse inlaid with five multicolored butterflies on the front and two on the back. The handle is black leather with brass hardware and a clasp. The interior is lined in black velvet with two pockets on one side and a label labeled “INACHU” on the other.
Historical NoteThis unusual purse is made of lacquerware with inlaid butterflies. It was given through the American Embassy in Tokyo during the 1986 Economic Summit.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan and 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.
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