Description
Elizabeth Arden Queen Nefertari Porcelain Bust on Stand – Treasures of the Pharaohs 1982 Egyptian Revival
This striking porcelain representation of Queen Nefertari was produced as part of Elizabeth Arden’s celebrated Treasures of the Pharaohs collection released for the 1982 holiday season. Combining Egyptian Revival imagery with luxury vanity design, the piece captures the fascination with ancient Egypt that influenced high-end decorative arts and cosmetics during the late 20th century.
The sculptural bust portrays Queen Nefertari, the favored royal wife of Pharaoh Ramses II, wearing an elaborate polychrome headdress decorated with geometric Egyptian-inspired ornament in vivid shades of cobalt blue, turquoise, green, red, and gold. The white porcelain contrasts beautifully against the richly colored enamel decoration, while the gilt detailing adds further depth and refinement.
Unlike many smaller vanity accessories from the collection, this example has a more architectural and display-oriented presence. Mounted on its original gilt stand with engraved plaque reading “Queen Nefertari,” the piece functions as both decorative sculpture and collectible luxury giftware.
The Treasures of the Pharaohs collection was produced in Japan exclusively for Elizabeth Arden and drew inspiration from ancient Egyptian tomb treasures, ceremonial objects, and royal iconography. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Egyptian Revival aesthetics once again became associated with glamour, mystery, and opulent interiors, making collections such as this especially desirable among luxury cosmetic and decorative brands.
Queen Nefertari and Egyptian Revival Design
Queen Nefertari remains one of the most admired royal women of ancient Egypt. As the principal wife of Ramses II, she was celebrated for her beauty, intelligence, and political importance. Ramses honored her with the famous temple at Abu Simbel dedicated jointly to Nefertari and the goddess Hathor, an extraordinary distinction within Egyptian royal history.
Her image and legacy became recurring inspirations during multiple Egyptian Revival movements, particularly in luxury decorative arts where ancient Egyptian motifs symbolized sophistication, power, and timeless elegance.
This piece reflects that tradition through its stylized symmetry, bold color palette, and highly decorative interpretation of royal Egyptian portraiture.
Condition
The porcelain bust remains in good vintage condition with very good overall color and gilding retention.
The original stand is present and retains its “Queen Nefertari” plaque. A “Made in Japan” sticker also remains attached to the underside of the stand.
Only light age-related wear was observed, including minor dust accumulation and some wear/loss to the paper backing underneath the base of the stand as photographed. No major cracks or significant structural damage were observed.
The enamel decoration remains vibrant and displays especially well.
