The Griffith Institute
Tutankhamun: Anatomy of an Excavation
The Howard Carter Archives
Photographs by Harry Burton
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Carter No.: 551

Handlist description: Ornamental casket (for lid see 540)

Card/Transcription No.: 551-3


Nos. 551, 540. = Casket

(FRONT END)

< > On forearm of bow arm of king

< >

alternate ebony & ivory ivory ebony

details of decoration similar to sides 48.5 55.5

gesso-gilt knob carved ivory panel 45.5

ebony gesso-gilt wood painted green ebony

as on sides

over King < >

over Queen < >

copper caps

The King seated upon a cushioned chair (decorated with garlands), shooting with bow and arrow fish and wild-fowl; his sandalled feet rest upon a cushioned footstool; the Queen crouching at his feet, upon a cushioned footstool, holds in her right hand a lotus flower, while with her left hand she holds an arrow. In front of the King and Queen is a rectangular pond of fish, above which arrow-pierced ducks fly. Below the pond is an attendant bringing the King's quarry; namely a wild-duck pierced by an arrow, and a large fish also pierced with an arrow. The field of the back-ground is filled in with conventional garlands, bouquets, and plants, among which the mandrake is prominent.

Back End two scenes in central panel only: -

Scene 2 hound attacking a bull in flight

Scene 1 leopard attacking an ibex in flight

Card no. 551-3 relating to Carter no. 551
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Tutankhamun: Anatomy of an Excavation
Concept & Direction: Jaromir Malek
Web Page & Database Designs: Jonathan Moffett
Scanning & transcript: Sue Hutchison, Elizabeth Miles, Diana Magee, Kent Rawlinson