This lapis lazuli vase was accepted by a senator on behalf of the United States in 2008 as a gift from a government official of Afghanistan (then the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan). Afghanistan is home to some of the world's highest-quality lapis lazuli, a predominantly blue ornamental stone. This vase features a tapered square base and top with intricate inlaid floral designs on all four sides. As with all foreign gifts, its acceptance and use are governed by the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act (5 U.S.C. § 7342).
