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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Potpourri Pot Used by Eleanor Roosevelt
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Potpourri Pot Used by Eleanor Roosevelt

Object numberMO 1992.1.14
Name Jar, Potpourri
Maker
Mediumceramic, paint, potpourri
Dimensionsoverall H 3 1/4 in x Diam 2 3/4 in (8.3 cm x 7 cm )
DescriptionA small, pomander-inspired potpourri pot. The bulbous-shaped glazed white ceramic pot has a series of vertical black stripes with a crosshatch design that encircle the jar. Each of the stripes has three holes near the top allowing the scent of the contents to emerge. The stripes divide the pot into eight sections and painted within each are alternating designs of plants with brown star-shaped flower and plants with clusters of round blue flowers. The pot is topped with several gold-painted ceramic leaves.

The underside of the pot has a hole (but no stopper) into which the potpourri can entered. Also on the underside, the letters "SK" have been engraved into the surface.

The pot is filled with potpourri, possibly dried herbs.
Label TextThis potpourri pot was given to Eleanor Roosevelt by the mother of Dr. William Turner Levy. An Episcopal priest, educator, and writer, Levy was a correspondent, close friend, and spiritual advisor of Eleanor Roosevelt from 1952 until her death in 1962. Mrs. Roosevelt used the jar in the bedroom of her East 74th Street apartment in New York City.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteLent to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr. in 1963. It was donated by the Estate of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr. in 1991.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr.
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPersonal Possessions of the Roosevelt Family (National Archives Identifier 782689)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
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Non exposé
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