Hail to the chiefs who grace presidential dinnerware

A James Monroe Paris porcelain demitasse cup with an engraved transferware portrait of the nation’s fifth president realized $8,500 plus the buyer’s premium in December 2016. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.
A James Monroe Paris porcelain demitasse cup with an engraved transferware portrait of the nation’s fifth president realized $8,500 plus the buyer’s premium in December 2016. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.
A James Monroe Paris porcelain demitasse cup with an engraved transferware portrait of the nation’s fifth president realized $8,500 plus the buyer’s premium in December 2016. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

NEW YORK —  Even the address, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, sounds impressive. The White House in Washington, D.C., where the U.S. President lives and conducts the nation’s business, is not known as the “People’s House” for nothing. As the seat of the Executive branch of the nation, the White House is a source of fascination and pride for its citizens. Countless members of the public have toured its halls, attended holiday events such as the famed Easter Egg Roll, and seen the lavish tree displays in December on television. Its interiors and furnishings have long been of interest, particularly items used by the leaders who once called the White House home. Chief among these is presidential china and dinnerwares.

Continue reading