A Sèvres porcelain plate from the dinner service for Ismail Pascha - image-1

Lot 528 Dα

A Sèvres porcelain plate from the dinner service for Ismail Pascha

Auction 1086 - overview Cologne
19.05.2017, 14:00 - Decorative Arts II
Estimate: 6.000 € - 8.000 €
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A Sèvres porcelain plate from the dinner service for Ismail Pascha

Of scalopped form, a crown with a crescent moon to the centre framed by a blue ribbon with a rosary. The border with violets and cornflowers in six reserves, as well as rose garlands on a green and gold ground. Green stamped mark S.64, iron red stamp N 68, burnishers mark, incised marks B etc. Diameter 25.3 cm.
Fired 1864, painted 1868.

The present work belongs to a Sèvres porcelain service ordered by the Isma'il Pasha (1830 - 1895), Viceroy of Egypt. He grew up in Paris before returning to Cairo upon the death of his father Ibrahim Pascha in 1849. Egypt changed significantly during the course of his reign. One of these many changes was the building of the Suez Canal at the initiative of Ferdinand de Lesseps. The project was mainly funded by French investors, and its grand opening took place on 17th November 1869, accompanied by a production of Giuseppe Verdi's opera Rigoletto (Aida was ordered, but was not completed in time for the opening). The service was ordered and delivered on this occasion, so that the numerous foreign guests could be served their meals on Sèvres porcelain.