Inside the Museum
Nixon Presidential Library
Head of State Gifts
The tradition of gifts of state dates back many centuries.
The tradition of gifts of state dates back many centuries.
These gifts, exchanged formally and diplomatically between leaders, act as symbols of goodwill and friendship between the two nations and peoples. State gifts can reflect cultural identities or shared values or interests. They are accepted by the President as a gift to the American people.
Updated October 2024
Posted January 2024
Head of State Gifts to Nixon
Japan
- Photo, Japanese Prime Minister Kakuel Tanaka
Framed and inscribed as gift to Richard Nixon in 1972. - Kurata Craft Class Ceramic Vase
Gift of Yasuhiro Nakasone, Head of the Agency of Defense in 1970 and later the Prime Minister of Japan. - Program
From peformance by opera singer Roberta Peters in honor of the White House visit from Prime Minister Kakuel Tanaka of Japan on July 31, 1973. - Brooch
Eleven pearls set on gold clusters of leaves. Gift to Pat Nixon from Prime Minister Elasku Sato and his wife. - Pearl Necklace
A double strand of Mikimoto pearls with a large pearl centered In the white gold clasp, surrounded by blue sapphire stones. Gift to Pat Nixon from Prime Ministeer Kakuel Tanaka in 1972.
United Kingdom and Ireland
- Photographs, Princess Anne and Prince Charles
Gifts of the Princess Royal Anne Windsor and Prince of Wales Charles Windsor. - Royal Crown Derby Candlestick
One of pair given in 1973 by Edward Heath, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. - Program
From performance by the United States Army Chorus in honor of the White House visit by Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Edward Heath on February 1, 1973. - Irish silver Sauce Boat
Bears the special Jubilee Hallmark used to commemorate the 1916 Easter Uprising and given to Richard and Pat Nixon by Jack Lynch, Prime Minister of Ireland. - Large Goblet and Cocktail Tumbler
Part of crystal beverages set made by Thomas Webb of England and given by Harold Wilson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Princess Anne 1970
Prince Charles 1970
Israel
- Hebrew English Bible
Printed in Israel with traditional 16th century binding of silver and gold decorative cover personalized to President Nixon as a gift from President Ephraim Katzir of Israel in 1974. - Necklace
Carnelian beads and pendants shaped like lotus seeds. Gift to Pat Nixon from Israel's Prime Minister Golda Meir during her state visit in September 1969. - Program
From performance by Leonard Bernstein on piano and Isaac Stern on violin in honor of the White House visit by Prime Minister Golda Meir of Israel on September 25, 1969. - Ancient Jewish Oil Lamp
Given to President Nixon by Prime Minister Golda Meir of Israel during her September 1969 visit to the White House.
Canada
- Framed photograph of Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau
Inscribed: To President Nixon, on the occasion of your visit to Canada, with warm regards and all good wishes. April 14, 1972 with signature. - Eskimo Engraving/Drawing by Kenojuak
- Program from Performance by Robert Goulet
In honor of the White House visit by Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau on March 24, 1969. - Stone Carved Figure of Eskimo Hunter by Akeeah
Given to President and Mrs. Nixon by Canadian Prime Minister Plerre Trudeau during his White House visit in March 1969.
Australia
- Photograph, William McMahon
Inscription from Prime Minister of Australia William McMahon reads: The last five days as your guest have been enjoyable and packed with interest. Many many thanks. - Photograph, Sonia McMahon
Gift from the wife of Australian Prime Minister William McMahon. Inscription reads: With many thanks and very best wishes Sonia McMahon." - Program
From performance by tenor Richard Tucker in honor of the White House visit by Prime Minister of Australia William McMahon and Mrs. McMahon on November 2, 1971. - Gold Plated Cups
Australia inscription on the bottom (two from set of four). Gift to Richard and Pat Nixon during Prime Minister William McMahon's 1971 visit to the White House. - Opalized Stone with Silver Mount
Gift to Richard Nixon during Australian Prime Minister John Grey Gorton's 1969 visit to the White House. - Gold Ring
A small Australian chrysoprase encircled with chip diamonds on a cluster of leaves. Gift to Pat Nixon during Prime Minister William McMahon's 1971 visit to the White House.
Prime Minister William McMahon
Sonia McMahon
Germany
- Leather-bound book
The first copy of the first edition conductor's copy of the sheet music from the premiere performance of Beethoven's 9th symphony. Presented to President Nixon during the August 7, 1969 visit to the White House by German Chancellor Kurt Georg Kiesinger. - Program
From performance by The Carpenters in honor of the White House visit by German Chancellor Willy Brandt on May 1, 1973. - Compact
In gold and silver bracelet weave pattern. For Julie Nixon from German Chancellor Kurt Georg Kiesinger. - Gold and Silver Vase
Set with 25 amethysts. For Pat Nixon from German Chancellor Kurt Georg Kiesinger. - Bronze
A nude sitting female figure by Gerhard Marcks. Given by German Chancellor Kurt Georg Kiesinger.
Saudi Arabia
- Flagon of Oil
Sample of oil from the first oil well drilled in Saudi Arabia, displayed with cut crystal presentation box. Given to President Nixon during his White House visit on June 6, 1974 by Prince Fahd bin Abd Al-Aziz of Saudi Arabia. - Diamond and Emerald Necklace Set
Necklace, ring, brooch, bracelet, and earrings for Pat Nixon, given by Prince Fahd bin Abd Al-Aziz of Saudi Arabia. - Harry Winston Jewelry Set
Diamond wristwatch for Pat Nixon and a pair of brooches for Tricia and Julle, given by In Abd Al Aziz, Minister of Defense and Aviation of Saudi Arabia. - Silver, Diamond, and Ruby Earrings
Given to the Nixons by Faisal Ibn Abd Al Azizi, King of Saudi Arabia.
Ghana
- Strip Woven Kente Cloth
Given to Mrs. Nixon by Kofi A. Busia, Prime Minister of Ghana. - Oware Game Board and Pieces
A traditional game board carved out of blonde wood with 53 game pieces made of nuts and seeds. Presented to the Nixons by Prime Minister KofiA. Busia of Ghana during his White House visit. - Photo, Pat Nixon
Presented to Pat Nixon by the Government of Ghana on the occasion of her visit, January 5th-7th, 1972.
