Throne of Tutankhamen. Valley of the Kings Tomb of Tutankhamen. Detail.
Woodcarving

Throne of Tutankhamen

Magnificent in terms of artistic design, the product is considered one of the most beautiful objects found in Egypt. The wooden base is completely covered with gold leaf. The legs of the throne are in the form of lion paws, which goes back to the ancient tradition of the association of the pharaoh with the king of beasts – the lion. The armrests are made in the form of winged protector serpents in the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. They spread their wings to protect the pharaoh’s cartouches carved on the sides of the throne.

Throne of Tutankhamen. Valley of the Kings, Tomb of Tutankhamen. XVIII dynasty (1333 1323 BC). Wood, gold, silver, vitreous paste, semi precious stones. Height 102 cm, length 54 cm, width 60 cm. Egyptian Museum.
Throne of Tutankhamen. Valley of the Kings, Tomb of Tutankhamen. XVIII dynasty (1333-1323 BC). Wood, gold, silver, vitreous paste, semi-precious stones. Height 102 cm, length 54 cm, width 60 cm. Egyptian Museum.

On the back of the chair is a surprisingly lyrical scene showing Tutankhamen with his wife Ankhesenamun, gently rubbing fragrant oils from a bottle on his shoulder, holding it in her left hand. The ruler is wearing a wide necklace and a crown, while Ankhesenamun is wearing a crown of two feathers with a sun disk worn by the goddess Hathor. The heritage of Amarna art is clearly traced – a solar disk is visible above the married couple, its rays end in human palms. In all likelihood, the throne was made in the early years of the reign of Tutankhamen.

Throne of Tutankhamen. Valley of the Kings Tomb of Tutankhamen. Detail.
Throne of Tutankhamen. Valley of the Kings Tomb of Tutankhamen. Detail.