Description
A rare facsimile edition on Nile papyrus of the Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, the original of which is in the British Museum (EA10470). The original dates from approximately 1250 BC, during the New Kingdom period of Egypt, an era known for its art, architecture and cultural advancements.
Made in 2019, limited to 999 copies and numbered with a notarial act.
The facsimile is made up of 37 individual sections, each measuring approximately 60 x 40 cm superimposed on another papyrus measuring 71 x 41 cm. The text is written in hieroglyphics, the sacred writing system of the ancient Egyptians. Presented in a luxurious wooden chest with a golden scarab decoration on the lid, evoking the shape of a sarcophagus. Format 78 x 47 x 9 cm.
The Papyrus of Ani, The Book of the Dead, is the oldest funerary text in history. A deep insight into the religious and spiritual beliefs of Ancient Egypt. It is a detailed manual that guides the ka of the deceased through the Duat, the Egyptian spiritual dimension, in order to overcome the dangers of the path to the Judgement of Osiris. This book is an essential key to attaining eternal life in the Afterlife.
With its rich history and profound symbolism, it remains an object of wonder for all those passionate about this culture. The Papyrus of Ani is an unparalleled historical treasure. It belonged to Ani, a high-ranking scribe, the right-hand man of the Pharaoh, whose final resting place is in Thebes, Egypt.
The creation of this Book of the Dead not only evidences his social prominence, but underlines his influence in the selection and supervision of artists. With its extensive length and detailed ornamentation, it was not only a testament to his life and status, but also a tangible symbol of his wealth. It is notable for housing the “Prayer of the Blind Man,” which bears remarkable similarities to the Lord’s Prayer of Christianity.
Take the opportunity to enjoy the text in its original form, as it was conceived more than 3,000 years ago: on papyrus, harvested along the majestic Nile and meticulously prepared in the ancestral lands of Egypt.
For the editor, the most challenging part was obtaining, managing, importing and treating the natural papyrus. Strips of plant stem are soaked and pressed in Egypt to achieve a smooth and durable surface. After a journey of more than 3,500 km, it arrives at the atelier in Bilbao, where the excess fibre is removed to ensure superior print quality. This ensures impeccable reproduction thanks to this sustainable and ecological, yet highly resistant material. Until now, no one had been able to accurately recreate the original.
The composition, structure, colours and texture of this papyrus were analysed and it was discovered that they used natural pigments such as white lime, blue lapis lazuli, red clay and green plant pigments. To recreate the texture and density of these pigments, a specific technique was developed that guarantees a vibrant and authentic appearance.
Advanced precision technology was used to reproduce every tear and damage caused by the passage of time, including moisture stains, with millimetric accuracy. With unprecedented quality, the 37 fragments of each of the 999 copies perfectly reflect the original in the British Museum.
The work is complemented by a book study that includes a prologue by the eminent Egyptologist Zahi Hawass and an introduction by Nacho Ares, a renowned journalist and expert in Egyptology, as well as the translation and comments of the texts by Sir E. A. Wallis Bugde (1857-1934). ISBN: 9788494832239
Complete copy and in perfect condition, with the box-case presenting two small chips in the wood, of no great importance, due to its weight (photo included).
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