Diameter (a: medal with ribbon): 2 15/16 × 15 3/4 in. (7.5 × 40 cm)
H x W x D (b: box): 1 15/16 × 9 1/8 × 5 11/16 in. (5 × 23.2 × 14.5 cm)
Type:
boxes (containers)
medals
Place used:
Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
Date:
1990
Description:
This is a National Medal of Arts (a) awarded to B.B. King, along with its presentation box (b). The medal consists of a silver pendant in the shape of a swirl with a hole in the center. The swirl creates an uneven circle with smooth polished outer edges. The inside of the swirl is textured and rough. Around the top rim of the swirl is engraved text that reads “NATIONAL MEDAL OF ARTS 1990.” On the underside of the pendant the silver is textured. On the left it is engraved with text that reads “UNTED STATES / OF / AMERICA.” On the right it is engraved with text that reads “B.B. KING.” The medal is suspended from a woven strap of red, white, blue and silver threads. The strap is flat and threaded through a bar welded to the underside of the top of the pendant. The presentation box (b) is a dark blue leather case with a white and blue silk lining.