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Case Study

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15 April 2025

The Priceless “Veiled Rebecca”

AXIS Industrial was contracted to design and manufacture a custom export packing solution for the safe sea transport of the priceless “Veiled Rebecca” statue to the United States. Sculpted in 1872 by renowned Italian artist Giovanni Maria Benzoni, the marble masterpiece is one of only a few half-sized versions in existence and is recognised for its exceptional craftsmanship and intricate veiled carving technique. Given the sculpture’s historical significance, irreplaceable value, and fragile marble construction, the project demanded an engineered packaging solution that would provide the highest level of protection throughout international transport.

WE TAKE ON

Challenges

The project required designing a custom timber case capable of safely transporting a priceless nineteenth-century sculpture to the United States while preserving every detail of its delicate marble construction. AXIS personnel remained involved throughout the packing process to ensure the artwork was handled with the utmost care, as even minor movement or impact during transport could result in irreversible damage.

In addition to protecting the sculpture from vibration, handling, and environmental conditions encountered during international sea freight, the packaging solution needed to distribute loads evenly and prevent pressure from being applied to vulnerable sections of the statue. The internal support system had to securely immobilise the artwork without placing stress on its intricate carved features.

Cost and weight restrictions added further complexity to the project. The case needed to remain within the client’s budget while avoiding unnecessary weight that would increase shipping costs. Achieving the correct balance between structural strength, protective performance, weight efficiency, and cost-effectiveness required careful engineering, material selection, and close collaboration with the client throughout the design process.

WE FIND

Solutions

The AXIS in-house design team engineered a fully enclosed export case using a carefully planned construction sequence that allowed the statue to remain protected throughout every stage of the packing process. The sculpture was first wrapped in open-cell foam secured with fragile tape before an additional protective layer of bubble wrap was applied to cushion the marble surfaces from vibration and handling.

The base and initial wall sections of the case were then constructed around the statue, allowing the team to position custom foam-lined supports precisely where required. These supports were designed to stabilise the sculpture at both the base and upper sections while preventing any movement during lifting, handling, and sea transport without placing unnecessary pressure on the marble.

Once the statue had been fully secured, the remaining sides and lid were installed to complete the enclosure. The finished case was reinforced for export conditions and clearly stencilled with handling instructions on all external faces to assist freight operators throughout the logistics process. Continuous communication between the AXIS Production Manager, the packing team, and the client ensured every stage of the project met the required standards for handling this irreplaceable work of art.

Outcome

Conclusion

The successful completion of this project demonstrates AXIS Industrial’s expertise in designing specialised export packaging solutions for high-value, fragile, and culturally significant cargo. By combining careful engineering, precision workmanship, and meticulous handling procedures, AXIS delivered a custom packaging solution that protected one of the world’s most remarkable marble sculptures throughout its international journey.

The completed export case provided exceptional structural protection while remaining practical and cost-effective for sea freight. Through close collaboration with the client and careful attention to every stage of the packing process, AXIS ensured the “Veiled Rebecca” arrived safely in the United States, preserving the integrity of this irreplaceable artwork for future generations.

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