The Royal Carriages Museum (RCM) in Cairo is hosting one-month exhibition under the title of “Rare Acquisitions”, which runs till 23 February. It displays rare possessions of the Alawite Dynasty, the monarchs who ruled Egypt from 1805 till 1953 when the country was declared a republic.
Muhammad Ali Pasha (1769 – 1849) was the Ottoman Viceroy to Egypt in 1805. He ruled till 1848 And founded a dynasty that continued to rule Egypt till 1953. Historically, he is considered the founder of modern Egypt.
The museum displays various items that have not been on show before, including royal chariots, gifts, hats and saddlery.
Ahmed al-Sabbagh, Director-General of the Museum, pointed out that, among the most beautiful artefacts on display is a small carriage that came as a gift from Hungary to King Fouad I who reigned in 1917 – 1936. The carriage was a toy for the young princes and princesses. Decorated with small lamps, a small metal whip, and a bronze bust of Khedive Ismail, the metal carriage model is decorated with paintings of angels, natural scenes, and ladies.
Among the exhibits are a cashmere colourful striped shawl made of wool and silk; as well as a bronze bust of Khedive Ismail.
One of the rare items on display is a model of one of a chariots made of metal inlaid with enamel with drawings of women, angels and landscapes, and a pair of gilded copper passengers.
Also on show is a set of hats, including black broadcloth with a Hungarian brass crown with a black feather on top; a three-piece beech wooden boot mould; and a small ceramic horse figurine.
Watani International
14 February 2022