Oyster plate purchased in 1877 by the administration of President Rutherford B. Hayes, and used in the White House in Washington, D.C., in the United Stats. First Lady Lucy Hayes wanted a new china service, and met with artist Theodore Davis in the White House conservatory to discuss a design. Inspired by the meeting site, Davis suggested hand-painted scenes depicting American wildlife, surrounded by naturalistic settings of native American plants. Hayes agreed, and the service was delivered in February 1877.