Egyptian Cairo Ware Bronze Charger, Circa 1880

A magnificent and unusually large 19th-century Egyptian Cairo Ware charger, of exceptional scale and richly ornamented throughout with finely executed silver and copper inlay.

The substantial bronze/ brass body is extensively decorated with ancient Egyptian figures, hieroglyphs and symbolic motifs, arranged within boldly defined panels and surrounded by intricate engraved borders. The decoration combines raised and engraved metalwork with finely cut silver and copper inlay, creating a striking and highly sophisticated surface.

Of particular note is the charger’s heavy construction and quality of workmanship. The body appears to have been hammered and extensively hand-worked, with the decoration deeply engraved and the individual silver and copper elements carefully cut, shaped and inlaid by hand. The complexity and density of the ornament demonstrate the considerable skill involved in producing these early examples of Cairo Ware.

Cairo Ware of this quality was produced for the burgeoning European market during the second half of the 19th century, when Egypt became an increasingly fashionable destination for wealthy travellers undertaking the Grand Tour. Objects decorated with imagery inspired by ancient Egypt were highly sought after as evocative souvenirs of visits to Cairo, the pyramids and the great archaeological monuments of the Nile Valley.

The present charger is distinguished by its exceptional size, weight, elaborate decoration and extensive use of contrasting metal inlay. It represents the highly accomplished, entirely hand-worked tradition of early Cairo Ware and should be distinguished from the more commercially produced examples manufactured in the mid-to-late 20th century.

A spectacular and highly decorative piece of Egyptian metalwork, suitable for prominent display.

Egyptian, circa 1880

Diameter: 39 cm

Depth: 2 cm

Robert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly open six days a week, Robert and Wendy have now taken a slightly different approach to their business. Having sold their retail premises, the antique business is now fully online. The picture framing service has ceased to operate because of moving online.

You can contact Robert and Wendy by email or telephone to discuss items from their extensive catalogue of attractive pieces and make purchases. Customers can rest assured that the long-established dealership is continuing to run in an exceedingly professional way, selling genuine and high-quality items which are guaranteed to please the most discerning collector, decorator or homeowner.

All items will be personally hand packaged to a high standard. Small items are extensively wrapped using the best materials and are often double boxed. Items are then shipped with DHL or Royal Mail fully insured and often with next day delivery. Larger items would be personally delivered or sent with a specialist antique delivery firm, or for outside the U.K, a professional shipping company.

Please enjoy viewing their collection of rare and interesting pieces and have the assurance that Robert and Wendy will do their utmost to make sure your experience is exceptional, as has been recognised by many customers who have bought with confidence regularly over the years.

Contact details

Email: robertbelcherantiques@gmail.com

Telephone: 01905 622468

Mobile 07929 011224

07720 607007

Website: https://www.robertbelcherantiques.co.uk

Instagram: robertbelcherantiques