Processing of 3D scanned meshes.	Processing of 3D scanned meshes.
3D printing.	3D printed replica of scan.

EHRF is currently restoring the minbar of Mamluk Sultan Husam al-Din Lajin, which was commissioned in 1296. This minbar is considered amongst the finest examples of Egyptian woodcarving. It has a pair of doors (bāb al-muqaddim) at the front, leading to the steps. These doors have four rectangular panels on the front two on the top and two on bottom and the same on the back side. Six of the original eight panels are now part of the V&A’s collection, which were bought by the Museum in the mid 19^th century. These panels are extremely valuable as they are inscribed with important information, such the name of Sultan Lajīn’s and the date of construction (AH 696 = 1296).

Based on 3D scans of the V&A panels, we produced 3D printed replicas at scale. These replicas are now allowing the reproduction of these panels and the copies will be placed into the minbar in Cairo, making it’s restoration finally complete.

NADIM Foundation (www.nadimfoundation.org) is also participa in this project by providing the wooden replicas of the Lajin panels through the NADIM Company. The worker carving away at the panel in the photo shown above is from NADIM at the NADIM premises.  Their participationis a donation to the project as they value the importance of the Lajin minbar and have the necessary technical and traditional knowledge to fulfil this task with impeccable results.

This work is part of a larger commitment by NADIM to produce an “Encyclopedia of Egyptian Woodwork: 5000 years of Industry” by 2020.

For more information about the project, see: http://www.ehrf-egypt.com/About