Projected finish dates for the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) have come and gone several times, however, work has been given a boost thanks to a loan from the Japanese government. The GEM is apparently on track for a partial opening next year.
The scale of the thing is truly massive: 50,000 objects will be on show—30,000 of which have never before been be seen publicly.
When it opens, the burial treasures of King Tutankhamun will be the centrepiece of the museum.
For the first time, all 5,000 objects found inside the king's tomb will be on display together, in two incredibly long galleries.
There are so many incredible pieces from Tutankhamun's tomb. This is one of my favourites: a miniature coffinette from the king's canopic chest.
The image comes from a new, limited edition book by Dr. Zahi Hawass, the charismatic former head of antiquities in Egypt, and famed Italian photographer Sandro Vannini, which offers the chance to see the treasures of Tutankhamun in unprecedented detail—until you see them in person at the GEM.
Four stunning, solid gold miniature coffins contained the king's embalmed organs.
The face on the coffinette resembles Tutankhamun's, but it is not the same. Close study has also revealed that the inscribed cartouches are not the originals. Traces remain of the name "Ankhkheperure", a name shared by two of Tutankhamun's predecessors.
Whoever they were made to represent, each of the coffinettes is perfect, and we can only marvel at the craftsmanship and patience it took to produce each exquisite details.
Enjoy the full article featuring more of Sandro Vannini's incredible photos in the latest issue of Nile Magazine: http://www.nilemagazine.com.au/buy-subscribe
And for more information on "The Legend of Tutankhamun", visit www.laboratoriorosso.com.