Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Lapis Lazuli Mosaic of Presient Reagan
Artifact ID1982.02713.01
Object Type
Work, Visual
Gifter
General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq
Maker
Ismail Gulgee
(Pakistani painter and sculptor, 1926-2007)
Date
c. 1980-1982
Medium
Stone (lapis lazuli, diamond, ruby,) Wood
DimensionsOverall: 30 1/2 x 24 3/4 in. (77.5 x 62.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionA mosaic portrait of President Ronald Reagan's head and shoulders in a suit and tie, done in blue tones. The mosaic tiles are made of various shades of lapis lazuli. There are two diamond chips, one in each eye. A single ruby is used as the tie clasp. The mosaic is in a gold frame with a white mat. There is a plaque on the edge lettered "PRESENTED BY GENERAL M. ZIA-UL-HAQ PRESIDENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN" in black. The back is covered in white with a wire hanger.Historical NoteThe artist, Ismail Gulgee of Karachi, Pakistan, used a semiprecious stone, lapis lazuli, to create this portrait, with diamond chips for the eyes and a ruby tie clasp. It was a gift during the state visit of President Zia-ul-haq December 7, 1982.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President 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 - Fully
Use Restriction Note© Ismail Gulgee
Copyright or other proprietary rights are 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 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 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/CulturePakistanPlace MadePakistanCopyright or other proprietary rights are 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 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 your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Exhibition HistoryThe White House Gallery, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library (2011- );
Gifts to the President (2006-2007), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Tokens and Treasures: Gifts to Twelve Presidents (1996-1997), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and National Archives Building;
Within the Vault (1998), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library