Following the President of the Republic’s visit to the Vatican and his bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, two new diplomatic gifts have found their place in the Maison Élysée Cabinet of Curiosities.
A cornucopia inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica
The first of these gifts is a magnificent reproduction of the Cornucopia, an emblematic work featured in the pavement of the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Crafted in hand-painted porcelain using the traditional third-fire technique, this exceptional piece combines refinement and durability. The colours, obtained from metallic oxides, and the gold applications are fixed with remarkable precision. The brushwork meticulously reproduces the intricate effect of the original mosaic.
This artwork was created by Elisabetta Giambanco under the artistic direction of Michele Palazetti. It was offered to the President of the Republic and Mrs. Brigitte Macron by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Holy See on Friday, April 10, 2026.
Pumpkin-shaped boxes, symbols of Cambodia
Nearby, two small pumpkin-shaped boxes in finely chiselled silver and brass also attract attention. These precious objects were offered to the President of the Republic by His Excellency Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, during their bilateral meeting at the Élysée Palace on April 8, 2026.
In Cambodia, the pumpkin is far more than a simple vegetable. A symbol of tradition and spirituality, it embodies a sacred link with ancestors. It also plays a central role in local cuisine, where it is used in many traditional dishes. These boxes, both elegant and symbolic, reflect the cultural significance of this fruit in Cambodian society.
These two new gifts enrich the Maison Élysée Cabinet of Curiosities, offering a glimpse into the cultural and diplomatic exchanges that mark the President of the Republic’s mandate.
