19th Century Egyptian Grand Tour Cairo Ware Silver Inlay Charger

This superb heavy Egyptian Grand Tour wall charger dates to the mid to late 19th century at the time when the pyramids and Pharos tombs were being excavated and all sorts of treasures discovered. This prime example would have been completely handmade and intended for wealthy travellers to purchase as a take home memento of their visit to Egypt. This most interesting charger is made from hand beaten heavy gauge brass or bronze. The decoration has been hand carved with a fine chisel and hammer and in some parts extensively inlaid with raised silver and copper forming a three dimensional classical Egyptian scene. At its centre, there is a seated Pharaoh being attended by servants. One is playing music from a harp-like instrument. The central scene is bordered and banded with classical decorative patterns, some of which are carved and others inlaid. The outer raised rim is further inlaid with classical tablets and symbols. This is a high-grade, beautiful, rare piece of Egyptian art. It is fine in quality, highly decorative, and has a pleasing age-related patina