A cartouche-shaped box attributed to Tutankhamun has emerged as a stunning testament to ancient Egyptian craftsmanship, adorned with intricately carved hieroglyphs on ebony and stained ivory.

Crafted with exquisite precision, the box features hieroglyphic inscriptions meticulously arranged in the iconic cartouche shape, symbolizing the eternal protection of the pharaoh’s name. Each glyph is a testament to the skill and artistry of the ancient Egyptian artisans, capturing the essence of Tutankhamun’s reign and royal lineage.

In ancient Egypt, a cartouche was a distinctive oval shape with a horizontal line at one end, used to enclose the names of kings and other important individuals. It served as a royal nameplate or a protective amulet, symbolizing the eternal and divine nature of the person whose name was inscribed within it.

Inlay refers to the process of embedding materials such as precious metals, gemstones, faience, or colored glᴀss into the surface of an object to create decorative patterns or designs.

The cartouche was typically adorned with hieroglyphic symbols and was often found on monuments, tombs, and other significant artifacts. It played a crucial role in ancient Egyptian art, hieroglyphic writing, and the identification of rulers and deities.

Here, the hieroglyphs render Tutankhamun’s nomen ‘Tut-ankh-imen, heqa iunu shemau’, the living image of Amun, Ruler of Southern Heliopolis.