The name of Thoth in hieratic: throw cushion

Thoth was a true academic; the god of knowledge and the inventor of writing. He was a record-keeper and accountant, as well as messenger, mediator and advisor to the other gods. He also recorded the passing of time and possessed special magic and knowledge unknown to even the other gods.

This print is of the hieratic writing of the name Thoth. Hieratic was the everyday, cursive version of hieroglyphs used by scribes. The hieroglyph used primarily to write the name ‘Djehuty’ was an ibis on a standard; the elegant swoosh of the beak and back make the bird recognisable, even in cursive form.

This piece is from a page of the Book of the Dead from the collection at the Garstang Museum of Archaeology in Liverpool (accession number E.507(1)). It has been photographed using a macro lens to bring out the detail in the brush strokes and lit to highlight the texture of the papyrus. The owner of the manuscript was a woman called Tjawtayundenit, a songstress of Amun-Re who lived in Thebes during the 21st Dynasty (1069–945 BC).

And now you can show off your Egyptology geekery by relaxing with this gorgeous throw cushion.

These soft, yet hard-wearing, 33 × 48 cm cushions are made from faux suede and each one is individually cut and sewn by hand. The design is printed on the front, with a stone-colour back.