A Rare Golden Casket Donated to the Khedive ʿAbbās Ḥilmī II preserved in the Egypt’s Capitals Museum (ECM) (Inv.No.164)

This essay's primary goal is to examine a masterpiece that is housed in the Egyptian Capital Museum. The casket bears the date June 16, 1900, which corresponds to Khedive Abbas Ḥilmī II's term in power. A descriptive and analytical analysis of the artwork's style, decoration, and technical processes will be covered by the methodological approach. The artistic standards of this casket showed that it takes into account a synthesis of artistic styles dating back to ancient Egypt and contemporary times. It exhibits ancient Egyptian symbols like the nemes and lotus, as well as elements of Greco-Roman culture like figurative statuettes, Trident of Poseidon, Garlands, and others. The casket’s lid is designed like an oblong dome with four minarets. A casket from the contemporary era, dating to the Alawite dynasty, has this distinguishing Islamic element. Nevertheless, this casket reflected the neo-classical arts; it also featured five important English monuments, including London Bridge, the British Museum, Freemason's Hall, Guildhall, and St. Paul Cathedral. The study concluded that this casket was manufactured for a particular event in England and given to the Khedive of Egypt ʿAbbās Ḥilmī II. It may have been used as a jewelry box or to store something valuable, according to both the descriptive and analytical approaches. The study also revealed that this casket reflected the British supremacy during the reign of ʿAbbas Ḥilmī II.