"James Monroe"

Porcelain

Dessert Plate, $44.00; Teacup & Saucer, $59.00

Always connoisseurs of the finest in tableware and household accoutrements, James and Elizabeth Monroe wished to obtain "the best" for their White House china. Thus, they commissioned a French dessert service from the House of Dagoty, among other elegant porcelains, to grace their tables at state dinners.

The Dagoty service is widely considered the "official" Monroe china because of its patriotic motif. Its central image features the American eagle. On the border, enhanced by a background of amaranth (purplish red), are five vignettes depicting Strength, Agriculture, Commerce, Art, and Science.