In July of 2019, the Daily Beast reported that –
A 3,000-year-old bust of King Tutankhamun that sparked a tug-of-war between Egypt and the auction house Christie’s sold Thursday in London for $6 million.
Government officials in Cairo claim the 11-inch bronze quartzite object was probably stolen from Egypt decades ago, and they demanded the auction be called off.
The Glittering Allure of Egypt: How King Tut Ignited an Era of Revival
The discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter was a landmark moment in archaeology. But its impact went far beyond the world of Egyptology. The opulent treasures unearthed from the tomb sparked a global fascination with ancient Egypt, a phenomenon known as Egyptian Revival.
This revival wasn’t just about mummies and pyramids. It was a full-fledged design movement that permeated various aspects of life in the early 20th century. Let’s delve into the glittering world of Egyptian Revival, focusing on its impact on jewelry design, but also acknowledging its influence on architecture, fashion, and even a later design movement, Art Deco.
Sparkling like the Nile: Egyptian Revival Jewelry
King Tut’s tomb was a treasure trove of exquisite jewelry, adorned with lapis lazuli, turquoise, carnelian, and of course, gold. These pieces showcased a variety of Egyptian motifs: scarabs, lotus flowers, winged sun disks, and geometric patterns. Jewelers of the Art Deco era were particularly enthralled by these designs. Their creations incorporated these elements, often using bold geometric shapes and vibrant colors. Egyptian Revival jewelry became a symbol of opulence and exoticism, adorning the necks, wrists, and ears of the fashionable elite.
Beyond the Trinkets: Egyptian Revival in Architecture and Fashion
The influence of Egyptian Revival wasn’t limited to jewelry. Architects incorporated Egyptian motifs into building designs. Movie theaters, furniture, and even cigarette cases donned hieroglyphic patterns, lotus flower columns, and sphinx statues. Fashion designers embraced the elongated pharaonic silhouette in dresses and incorporated Egyptian symbols into embroidery and beadwork.
The Enduring Legacy: Egyptian Motifs in Art Deco
While Egyptian Revival waned in the later part of the 20th century, its influence can still be felt in the Art Deco movement. Art Deco, known for its geometric forms and bold colors, borrowed elements from Egyptian Revival. Jewelry, furniture, and architecture from the Art Deco period often incorporated stylized pyramids, sunbursts, and ziggurat patterns.
The discovery of King Tut’s tomb wasn’t just an archaeological marvel; it was a cultural phenomenon that ignited a fascination with ancient Egypt. Egyptian Revival, with its focus on glittering jewelry, architectural grandeur, and fashionable adornments, left an enduring mark on the early 20th century and continues to inspire designers today.
Egyptian Revival Steatite Plaque, Gem-Set Fan Brooch, Cartier, London, c.1923. Photo Courtesy of Sotheby’s.
