Lenox Selected to Produce the Official Inaugural Gifts For the President and Vice President On Inauguration Day

BRISTOL, Pa., Jan. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- For the seventh consecutive inauguration, Lenox Corporation has created the official Inaugural gifts from the American people, given to the President and Vice President of the United States. On January 21, 2013, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. will be presented with custom-made, one-of-a-kind engraved crystal vases at the Inaugural Luncheon following the swearing in ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol. These stunning gifts were offered to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) by Lenox, and the design was approved by the committee.

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Lenox Corporation, the oldest and most prestigious maker of fine china in the United States, has designed and created the Inaugural gift for the incoming president since George H. W. Bush in 1989. For each Inauguration, the Lenox team of experts work for months to create a gift that encapsulates the spirit of the American people and the new presidency.

"I am proud to accept this exquisite gift from Lenox on behalf of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, and honored to present it to the President and Vice President on behalf of the American people," said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. "As they've done time and time again, Lenox has created a beautiful and memorable gift that is worthy of this historic and sacred occasion."

After working on this project for more than five months with master glass-cutter Peter O'Rourke, Timothy Carder, Lenox Vice President of Design, handed over the stunning pieces of craftsmanship to Senator Charles E. Schumer at an intimate ceremony held on Capitol Hill earlier today.

"When I met with the JCCIC in late summer, we all shared the opinion that this gift needed to be different than those from previous administrations and that the height and monumental presence be a necessary ingredient.  The inspiration for my design of the vase came from the height and beauty of the Washington Monument.  The combination of the height of the vase set on the pedestal base produced an exquisite display of glistening crystal," said Timothy Carder.

The Presidential crystal vase shows a stunning image of the White House, flanked by cherry trees on either side. The Vice Presidential crystal vase depicts the Capitol building, also flanked with blooming cherry trees on either side. Rotating the vases 360 degrees provides dreamlike panoramic views of both American landmarks from different angles through the trees. The two vases each measure 17" in height and were created using a combination of etching and hand cutting. Each vase rests on bases that are made up of four steps of high-quality optical crystal that are both engraved. The base of the President's vase is engraved with President Obama's name, "The Presidential Inauguration" and "January 21, 2013," and a similar one will be presented to Vice President Biden.  The vase and base combined have a total weight of approximately 32 lbs and will be presented in custom-made cherrywood boxes that were made by craftsmen at McGraw Wood Products in New York.

"Lenox is honored to have been selected as the designer and manufacturer of choice for the past 24 years to produce the Inaugural Commemorative Gift for the President and Vice President of the United States of America," said Lester Gribetz, President of Lenox Corporation.

For 95 years, Lenox has created fine china dinnerware for the White House, the vice president's official residence, over 300 U.S. Embassies and more than half of the governors' mansions.  Lenox became the first American china to be used in the White House in 1918 when President Wilson commissioned the company to create a 1,700-piece service bearing the presidential seal in raised gold.  Over the years, Lenox has created new state services for five additional presidents – Roosevelt, Truman, Reagan, Clinton and George W. Bush – that reflect not only the style of the day, but the timeless beauty of Lenox's renowned ivory china.   To learn more about Lenox China at the White House click here: Lenox China at the White House.

About Lenox Corporation

Lenox is the market leader in luxury tableware and gifts.  The only manufacturer of fine bone china in the United States, Lenox has celebrated outstanding design and manufacturing for 124 years and remains the premiere market destination for bridal, entertaining and gift giving. Also known for providing Presidential dinnerware to the White House, Lenox Corporation is an American company that markets its products primarily under the Lenox®, kate spade new york, Donna Karan Lenox, Marchesa by Lenox, L by Lenox®, Dansk® and Gorham® brands. The Scalamandre by Lenox collection will debut in stores and on www.lenox.com this spring.

Related Links
2013 Lenox Inaugural Gift Video
Lenox and the White House China History
2013 Lenox Inaugural Gift Photos

SOURCE Lenox Corporation