A massive silver dining tray made for the Khedive Isma'il (1863-79) sini

FRANCE FOR THE OTTOMAN MARKET, 2ND HALF 19TH CENTURY

细节

A massive silver dining tray made for the Khedive Isma'il (1863-79) sini
France for the Ottoman Market, 2nd half 19th century
Of oval form with two loop handles, engraved with a central monogram of the Khedive Isma'il surmounted by a crown, surrounded by four oval cartouches containing flowers contained within floral swags, the outer border engraved and chased with a further swag band, marked HARLEUX and PARIS, very good condition with original black wooden tray table
4ft.1in. (125cm.) across
433ozs. (13,483gr.)

拍品专文

Isma'il Pasha (1830-95), viceroy (1863-67) then Khedive of Egypt (1867-79) sought independence from the Ottoman court and the modernisation of his country by closer relations with European powers. He established the primogeniture in his own line via a firman purchased from the Ottoman Sultan in 1866. His lasting achievement was to open the Suez canal in 1869.
Egypt under Isma'il Pasha cultivated closer relations with France, participating in the Paris exhibition of 1867. His ambitious development plans for the country led to hugely increased exports and to significant modernisation of the country such as the outlawing of the slave trade in his dominions and the establishment of the state postal service. Unfortunately, his infrastructure building programmes brought desperate financial problems which ultimately led to his deposition in 1875. He ended his days in Istanbul.
The tray was later engraved with the initial K by one of his heirs, Kheryaii.