For Lisa Lesunja, Countess of Keyserling, Egypt’s ancient scarab was the inspiration behind her Khepri Cairo collection. Presented as part of Art D’Égypte’s Formed by Dialogue, the collection takes its name from the ancient Egyptian scarab, a symbol associated with transformation, protection and new beginnings.
“It is a great honour for me to present Khepri at the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square, a place where jewellery and symbols have been preserved for thousands of years,” she says. “When the invitation arrived, I was overjoyed and at the same time filled with awe. I knew right away that I wanted to create a collection that would enter into a real dialogue with this place.”
Lisa presents five creations, from rings and earrings to a bracelet and necklace. Khepri explores the enduring language of ancient Egyptian symbolism through contemporary jewellery. Crafted from gold-plated 925 silver and incorporating rubies, sapphires, topaz, turquoise and carnelian, each piece draws on the scarab’s association with renewal and transformation.
“I was overwhelmed. The building, the light and the history in every room are incredible,” she recalls. Yet it was the moment of installing the pieces that stayed with her most. “Placing the pieces in the display case by hand was a very emotional moment. That was when an idea truly became a work of art in its place.”
Her participation also extended into the wider cultural programme surrounding Art D’Égypte. At Beit El Suhaimy, the historic setting of Crafts Re-Imagined offered another encounter with the country’s rich craft traditions, while Forever Is Now, staged against the monumental backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza, brought contemporary artistic expression into conversation with one of humanity’s most enduring architectural achievements.
When asked to describe her experience in Egypt in one word, she chooses: “New beginning. As Cairo’s magic worked its charm on Lisa, her connection with the city may well extend beyond this exhibition. Among her aspirations is to establish a place in Cairo that brings together her home, studio and showroom.
