Welcome to “Art, Culture & Books” with me Anthony King. Today I’ll be taking you on a tour of the Gilded Wooden Golden Throne of Tutankhamun from the Egyptian 18th Dynasty (1336-1327 BC). This was one of the many treasures found in the Pharaoh’s burial chamber. It’s made of wood with golden gilding, silver, glass, and precious gemstones. The golden throne was a symbol of power and a projection of status. Look out for his Queen amongst the incredible artwork.
As always, I take all the photos and videos myself on location, ensuring you get an up-close and personal view of the fascinating world of art and culture. I’ll be popping in and out with commentary as this video progresses but for now let’s take a close up look.
The Golden Throne of Tutankhamun …. If you think of Ancient Egypt this is one of the things which probably come to mind. It’s in a hall opposite Tutankhamun’s golden face mask and the Egyptians take their religious heritage seriously so no photography is allowed inside of that room.
Discovered in 1922 by the British archaeologist Howard Carter during the excavation of Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb, this remarkable artefact is a testament to the craftsmanship of ancient Egyptians. Crafted from gold leaf, carved wood, precious stones, coloured glass, and enamel, the throne has retained its vivid colours for over three thousand years, unlike many other relics. Tutankhamun’s tomb, the sole unrobbed burial site in the Egyptian Valley of the Kings, adds to the awe surrounding this discovery.
The front of the throne depicts a scene from the daily life of the pharaoh. Tutankhamun sits in a relaxed pose, with his wife delicately rubbing fragrance oils onto his shoulders. Notably, both wear gold bracelets, symbolic of betrothal in ancient Egypt. Such intricate details offer a glimpse into the personal life of the pharaoh.
Turning to the back of the throne, one finds four cobras with solar discs adorning their heads. These royal snakes, symbolizing wisdom, are meticulously crafted from blue and navy-blue enamel. The side backs of the chair showcase images of winged serpents, crafted in turquoise enamel with crowns atop their heads. The chair’s legs, designed in the form of lion’s paws, boast golden lion heads symbolizing power and might.
By Anthony King (c)