Large tray with narrative and calligraphic decoration - Lot 229

Large tray with narrative and calligraphic decoration Brass with inlaid silver and copper decoration. Egypt, circa 1900 Diameter: 74.5 cm Large tray with "three-metal" or "Cairoware" decoration, i.e. inlaid silver and copper on a brass base. Characteristic of Cairo's production around 1900, these objects, produced for passing travelers, take up and mix ancient themes from Pharaonic Egypt and medieval Islamic art, sometimes with Hebraic themes. This example is of above-average quality, and does not economize on materials. The subject blends biblical, Koranic and Pharaonic references, in the spirit of objects from this period. It is decorated with friezes of arabesque cartouches alternating with calligraphic cartouches (verse 46 of Sura 12), and in the center a scene of a royal audience, perhaps King Solomon, in a setting evoking ancient Egypt. D. 74.5 cm Expert for this lot: Mr Alexis Renard +33 (0) 6 80 37 74 00