At George Washington's request, the American ambassador in Paris, Gouverneur Morris, purchased "mirrors for a table" and "neat and fashionable but not expensive ornaments for them" in January 1790. Morris' purchases included two vases with lids, which he recommended be filled with fresh flowers to create an enchanting table display. The original vases owned by Washington are unlocated, but in form and appearance they were likely similar to this pair. The pieces' white, unglazed porcelain mimics the cool white marble of antique sculpture which, along with the classical subject matter, blended perfectly with the new nation's founding principles.