An Egyptian revival ebony and inlaid settee late 19th century

of architectural form with geometric borders and inlaid with fruitwoods, ivory, mother of pearl and wire, the carved giltwood cresting rail in the form of serpents centred by a tablet inlaid with a winged bird, probably the symbol of the Egyptian goddess, Nekhbet, clutching a payrus stalk, the padded back between two moulded cartouches depicting Horus and Isis, the arm supports in the form of Canopic jars surmounted by the head of Anubis, with a padded seat and shaped legs terminating in paw feet

Very decorative. Upholstery in good order but the piece will require a new covering. There are very minor losses to detail - including some silvered wire below the eagles wing feathers. There are restorations including some well done replaced components to the back of the seat. There are minor old, marks and scuffs. Generally very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In the nineteenth century, the Egyptian Revival became fashionable following the Napoleonic campaigns in Egypt with the publication of Voyage (1802) by Vivant Denon, and Déscription (1809-28). Moreover, the vogue for Egyptianism was greatly influenced by drawings, writings and photographs of travellers to the Nile and further fuelled by the Egyptian Court at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851 and the important exhibition of Egyptian antiquities in New York in 1852. Brass lion's and leopard's feet, sphinx heads and paws, lotuses and palms, scarabs, winged globes and pylon forms were often employed in furniture especially in France where the Empire style had come to fruition.

A similar suite of furniture was sold these rooms, 14 May 1999, lots 235-238 attributed to Maurice Laville and possibly exhibited at the Paris Exhibition in 1900, but unfortunately cannot be traced in the catalogue.