On a recent trip to Egypt, I was struck by the fact that the color lapis blue occurred at every turn. Whether in tombs, temples,
mosques or museums, it seemed to be the universal color of the ancient Egyptians.
Lapis blue was the frequent color in the beautiful tomb and temple paintings and on the sarcophagi of the pharaohs, as well as in the many jewels found in the tombs that were created with lapis lazuli and gold. Lapis blue was everywhere.
Besides accessibility of lapis to the ancient Egyptians, the color referenced the important Nile River, the lifeblood of Egypt. After a cruise up the Nile, I understand why it is such an important part of the history and lifeblood of the culture and people. I will always remember my experience in Egypt when I encounter lapis lazuli and will think of it differently. The many examples of jewelry that I saw have begun to influence my design ideas for using lapis and I look forward to blending the old and the new in future pieces that I create using this ancient color.
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