Designer Omar Chakil revives the stone of the pharaohs with a collection inspired by the gods of Ancient Egypt, unveiled at PAD Paris
At PAD Paris 2025, held from 2 to 6 April 2025, Franco-Egyptian-Lebanese designer Omar Chakil (represented by Galerie Gastou) presented Transcendence, a sculptural collection of 17 pieces crafted entirely from Egyptian onyx alabaster. This ancient, luminous, milky stone—traditionally associated with the pharaohs—has long been forgotten in the world of contemporary design.
His pieces—including vases, tables, and seating—are carved from massive blocks of raw stone, without artificial treatments or polished surfaces, in full respect of the material’s sculptural nature. The veins, translucency, and chromatic variations make alabaster the undisputed star of the project.
One example is the Nubia bookcase, named after a region along the Nile and resembling a totem in form. Its niches are carved directly into the stone, revealing the delicate and elegant natural layering of Egyptian onyx alabaster. Originally created for an exhibition at Le Lab Gallery in Cairo, Nubia once again confirms itself as a cradle of culture and beauty from one of the oldest civilisations on Earth.
The collection draws inspiration from divine figures of Ancient Egypt, reinterpreted through a modern lens: the scarab, symbol of transformation, becomes a side table formed from stacked layers of Iranian pink onyx, Italian Perlino white marble, and Egyptian alabaster; the hooded cobra, emblem of protection, gives shape to the Uraeus Birth Chair; while the Nile crocodile inspires the Sobek Bench, sculpted following the rhythm of a fossilised tail. Each piece is conceived as an object “with a soul”, blending narrative, function, and craftsmanship. In this way, Chakil hopes to restore the reputation of Egyptian onyx alabaster—often relegated to mere souvenirs—as a noble stone worthy of collectible design.
The Transcendence series demonstrates how this ancient stone can converse with contemporary aesthetics, thanks to its timeless dignity and expressive power. Through his work and sensibility, Chakil powerfully transcends the realm of design, turning it into a medium for rediscovering the natural masterpiece that is Egyptian alabaster.
For more information: https://www.galerieyvesgastou.com/viewing-room/36-pad-paris-2025/
Credits images: The photography is courtesy of Omar Chakil.
