King Tutankhamun Bold Jewel-Toned Portrait
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King Tutankhamun ruled Egypt as pharaoh from roughly age nine until his death at eighteen, around 1323 BCE. Though his reign was relatively brief and historically modest, his nearly intact tomb's discovery in 1922 made him the most famous pharaoh of all. The distinctive striped nemes headdress shown here—with its blue and gold coloring and royal uraeus cobra at the crown—was a symbol of pharaonic power and divinity, worn only by Egypt's ruling kings. His golden funerary mask remains one of the world's most recognizable artifacts, embodying the splendor and mystery of ancient Egypt.
- Stitch count: 130 x 117
- 29 colors in the palette
- Downloaded 137 times
130 x 117 stitches 29 colors
Pattern description
This intermediate-level cross-stitch pattern captures the iconic golden pharaoh with striking color contrast and remarkable detail. The palette of 29 DMC threads creates a luminous effect, with warm golds defining the portrait's face and ornate headdress while rich blues form bold striping patterns that echo the historical regalia. Worked over 130 × 130 stitches on Aida fabric, the geometric precision of the striped bands mirrors the symmetry and grandeur of ancient Egyptian royal imagery.
The royal headdress—the nemes with its distinctive striped pattern—dominates the composition, framed by a carefully rendered face with defined eyes and subtle shading. The interplay between the flat geometric stripes and the modeled facial features creates visual depth that rewards careful thread selection and consistent tension.
This design makes a striking wall hanging for history enthusiasts, Egyptology fans, or anyone drawn to ancient artifacts and bold color work. The jewel-tone palette of deep blue and warm gold reads beautifully from across a room, and the finished piece suits both modern and eclectic home décor. Whether stitched as a standalone project or framed alongside other museum-inspired needlework, this portrait of Egypt's most famous young ruler brings a touch of historical grandeur to any space.
Material Type: Aida Generic Brown
Sewing Count: 14/inch or 55/100mm
Design Size: 130 x 117 stitches
Sewn Design Size: 9.3 x 8.4 inches or 236 x 212 mm
Suggested Material Size: 15.2 x 14.3 inches or 386 x 362 mm
Stitch Style: Cross-stitch Using 2 strands
