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Blog / Egypt

Egyptian Papyrus: Fascinating Stories for Your Walls!

The art of Egyptian Papyrus paintings brings the past alive - depicting daily life, mythology, gods and goddesses and momentous historical events. But, it was almost lost forever!

Egyptian Papyrus paintings

Egyptian Papyrus paintings

A Brief History

Papyrus was extremely important to ancient Egyptians and helped transform Egyptian society.

Once the technology of papyrus making was developed, its method of production was kept secret allowing the Egyptians to have a monopoly on it. The first use of papyrus paper is believed to have been 4000 BC.

The raw material to make papyrus paper comes from the Cyperus papyrus plant which grew along the banks of the Nile. Cyperus papyrus was not only used to make paper but was also used in the manufacture of boats, rope and baskets. Papyrus paper was ancient Egypt's largest export!

An Almost Lost Art

The Arab people developed a method for producing pulp paper which was durable and lightweight. It was easier to produce but was not as durable as papyrus.

Nevertheless, this new form of paper production led to a decline in papyrus production and cultivation of Cyperus papyrus plants. Eventually, the papyrus plant disappeared from the Nile. Imagine, the plant that represented Egypt's greatest export - papyrus paper - was no longer important!

Papyrus paper production ceased and was not revived until about 1969 when an Egyptian scientist - Dr. Hassan Ragab - started a papyrus plantation near Cairo. But it wasn't easy! Ancient Egyptians had kept the exact production method a secret and had left no written records. Dr. Ragab persevered and figured out how to make papyrus paper. As a result, papyrus making and use is back!

A Lovely Addition to Home or Office Décor

Papyrus art is often used to record a momentous historical event - tell a story - show a facet of every day life.

This makes papyrus artwork not only a conversation starter - it turns your wall into a story telling centre. Papyrus paintings are often so intricate, you will discover something new every time you look at them!

Please take a few moments to review our Papyrus Art Collection. We think the stories told are intriguing and the colours used are simply lovely. We hope you do too!

Shop Zawadee Limited Edition

Shop Zawadee Limited Edition

Bring the past alive in your home or office with Egyptian papyrus depicting the daily life, mythology, gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt.

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