The Fascinating Facsimile
Papyrus of Ani. Book of the Dead
Discover the magic of the Egyptian ancestral wisdom
The funerary text oldest in history
An in-depth look at the religious and spiritual beliefs of Ancient Egypt, through a limited reproduction for collectors.
The Book of the Dead is a detailed handbook that guides the «ka» of the deceased through the Duat, the Egyptian spiritual dimension, in order to overcoming the dangers of the road to the Judgment of Osiris, this book is an essential key to attain eternal life in the Beyond.
With its rich history and deep symbolism, is still a object of wonder for all those who are passionate about this culture.
An ancestral masterpiece
The Ani Papyrus 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 their social prominence, but underscores their influence in the selection and supervision of artists. With its extensive length and detailed ornamentation, it was not only a testament to their life and status, but also a tangible symbol of their wealth.
It stands out because it houses the «Prayer of the Blind», which has remarkable similarities with the Lord's Prayer.
A millenary charm: for the first time, the genuine Nile papyrus at your fingertips
Nearly one hundred experts to carry out this edition
It is 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.
An extensive team of specialists have dedicated their talent and passion to this project, working tirelessly to complete the edition, photographing, reproducing, printing, illustrating and assembling each copy by hand.
The authentic papyrus, the basis for the fidelity of this facsimile
The most challenging part was obtaining, managing, importing and processing the natural papyrus. The plant stem strips are soaked and pressed in Egypt to achieve a smooth and durable surface.
Thus, we guarantee an impeccable reproduction thanks to this sustainable and ecological, yet highly resistant material.
After a journey of more than 3,500 km, it arrives at our atelier in Bilbao, where we remove excess fiber to ensure superior print quality.
Until now, no one had been able to accurately recreate the original.
Technology was not able to accurately capture their colors and textures.
With cameras of the highest resolution, we have achieved a quality that was unimaginable a decade ago, show every detail, including tears, in order to provide a smooth playback.
Our team analyzed the composition, structure, colors and texture of this papyrus and discovered that they used natural pigments such as lime white, lapis lazuli blue, red clays and green vegetable pigments. To recreate the texture and density of these pigments, we developed a technique specific that guarantees a vibrant and authentic appearance.
A true masterpiece at your fingertips
We use advanced precision technology to reproduce every tear and damage caused by the passage of time, including damp stains, with millimetric accuracy. Our objective is to create a facsimile of a extraordinary fidelity to the original.
More than 3 years of research, hard work and effort
We made numerous tests and multiple trips to the British Museum to accurately capture the original, preserved under strict security measures.
Each visit was essential to achieve a perfect reproduction, honoring history in every detail.
We import 72,000 sheets of papyrus from Egypt, selected to guarantee the highest quality.
A luxurious presentation worthy of the treasure it contains
It is presented in a luxurious wooden chest with a golden beetle decoration on the lid, evoking the shape of a sarcophagus.
The structure functions as a support for optimal viewing and is designed to be completely flat, preventing moisture ingress. Its purpose is to to house the work y to make it easier to turn the pages comfortably.
All the hidden mysteries in our study book
To further enrich this experience, we provide you with this book, which includes a foreword by the eminent Egyptologist Zahi Hawass and a introduction by Nacho Ares, and Egyptology expert, as well as the translation and comments of the texts he wrote Wallis Bugde.
It is a journey through interpretation and in-depth analysis of the Papyrus of Ani. Each commentary provides a complete and rich understanding of the work.
Limited edition, numbered and certified by a notary public
The facsimile is composed of 37 individual sections, each measuring approximately 60 x 40 cm. These dimensions allow the meticulous detail and majesty of the original design to be appreciated, offering an impressive visual experience.
The original dates to approximately 1250 B.C., during the period of the New Kingdom of Egypt, an era known for its art, architecture and cultural advancements.
The text is written in hieroglyphics, the sacred writing system of the ancient Egyptians.