![]() The form of the Ankh itself is the glyph meaning ‘life’ and the ‘breath of life’, although the same sounds which make it can also apparently be found, rather nicely, in the word for ‘reflection’ or ‘image’, making the shape of the case a pun on its function. The centre of the Ankh is decorated with a winged scarab, which protected the living from evil and defended the dead on their journey to the gods, and a lotos flower, which symbolizes both birth and the rebirth of the dead.īase of the Ankh case with Tutankhamun’s name cartouches ![]() Although this particular case was part of the funerary equipment for the after-life, such objects were also for daily use this one, being royal, is gilded and lined with silver. The case found in Tutankhamun’s grave is an early and practically complete example, although its contents have vanished (the reflective surface used could have been made of ‘polished gold, silver, copper, or bronze’ ). 1323 BC, 18 th dynasty, giltwood inlaid with coloured glass and semi-precious stones including carnelian, 27 cm., from the tomb of Tutankhamun, Valley of the Kings, Thebes, Grand Egyptian Museum These are the earliest form of cover for protecting a fragile surface or concealing an image – or, in this case, the place where one’s own image might (almost magically) live.Įgyptian case for a speculum in the form of an Ankh, c. ![]() This present piece looks at sliding covers, curtains and the odd shutter on a variety of secular paintings and looking-glasses it doesn’t include miniatures, which have a very specific and wide range of covers, lidded boxes and layered cases, and can be explored here and here. This is the third part of a triptych of articles the first, on shutters and covers of sacred works, is available here, and the second, on curtains of sacred works, is here.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |