Styles & Trends ·
In this article
Ancient Egyptian civilisation and the Pharaonic style in design rank among the most important civilisations and arts in human history. They were marked by advanced artistic and architectural techniques that still win the world's admiration. Pharaonic architecture is known for harmony and balance between forms, colours and ornament, and its buildings are monumental, complex and geometrically exact. Natural materials such as stone, brick, wood and pottery were used to build temples, pyramids, palaces and other structures.
In this article we look back at the style, its strengths and its distinctive qualities, which still inspire many designers and engineers today.
What is the Pharaonic style in design?
The Pharaonic style is an artistic approach that dates back to ancient Egyptian civilisation, a particular way of building that the ancient Egyptians made their own. It is known for fine detail, clean lines and bright colours, and it was applied to many artistic elements such as palaces, temples, royal households, statues, household objects and mummies, among others.
It is also used in many modern fields, including the interior and exterior design of homes and buildings, furniture, jewellery, fashion and contemporary art, where Pharaonic elements serve as a source of inspiration for present-day designs.
Straight lines
The style makes strong use of straight lines. Columns, walls, ceilings, statues and furniture are all rendered straight, which gives each piece a precise, geometric character.
Symmetry
Symmetry is one of the style's most prominent traits, and symmetrical forms are used extensively in the design of its artistic elements.
Repetition
Repetition is widely used: the same pattern or shape appears again and again within a single piece.
Bright colours
The style uses bright colours such as red, blue, green and gold, which express life, richness and strength.
Symbols and drawings
Symbols and drawings are used heavily, and many pieces are designed around images that express ancient Egyptian civilisation and its artistic voice.
Myth and religion
Myth and religion give the artistic elements a spiritual dimension, and many pieces are designed on the basis of ancient Egyptian beliefs and the myths connected with them.
Read also: Bohemian style
Features of the Pharaonic style
The features of the Pharaonic style are unique and recognisable at a glance. They differ entirely from other designs, and they open up new spaces that go beyond narrow horizons and move beyond traditional limits.
Geometric forms
Geometric forms are used widely. Columns, walls, ceilings and statues take rectangular, square, circular, triangular and other geometric shapes.
Carvings and ornament
Carvings and ornament are used extensively. Artistic elements are decorated with varied carvings and motifs that reflect daily life, religion and ancient Egyptian civilisation.
Statues
Statues are among the most important artistic elements designed in the Pharaonic style. They usually depict important figures of ancient Egyptian civilisation and are known for fine detail, clean lines and bright colours.
Pyramids
The pyramids are among the most prominent elements designed in the Pharaonic style. They represent royal tombs and are known for precise geometric detail and basic geometric forms.
Furniture
Furniture in the Pharaonic style is known for fine detail, geometric forms and bright colours, and is made from wood, pottery, stone and other natural materials.
Read also: The Victorian style in design
The infrastructure and architecture of ancient Egyptian civilisation, to which the Pharaonic style belongs, spanned several centuries, and over that time a number of building forms developed. They include:
Columns
Columns are used widely. They are tall, straight and symmetrical, decorated with carvings and ornament, and they support ceilings and other structures.
Walls
Walls are a basic building form. They are thick and solid, and decorated with carvings and motifs related to daily life, religion and ancient Egyptian civilisation.
Halls and chambers
Halls and chambers are used widely. They are large, spacious and symmetrical, decorated with carvings and ornament, and served purposes such as meetings, celebrations and prayer.
Doors and windows
Doors and windows are decorated with ornament and carvings, and are used in different buildings such as palaces, temples and houses.
Read also: Neoclassical style
Colours in the Pharaonic style
Colour in ancient Egyptian civilisation, to which the Pharaonic style belongs, was an important element of art, architecture and religion, and a basic part of Pharaonic culture and expression. Pharaonic colours are used in a harmonious, balanced way, suited to the subject, the symbolism and the intent of the art or architecture. Common colours in the style include:
- Red: one of the main colours of the style, symbolising life, strength, heat and blood.
- Green: a common colour, representing growth, life, fertility and nature.
- Blue: an important colour, representing the heavens, water and life.
- Yellow: a common colour, representing the sun, light and life.
- White: an important colour, representing purity, innocence and safety.
- Black: one of the main colours, representing darkness, strength and authority.