Vintage Egyptian Revival Damascene Pyramid Paperweight, Large Gold Inlay Pyramid with Sphinx and Pharaoh Scenes, Art Deco Desk Object

A 1920s–1930s Egyptian Revival pyramid in damascene work, the larger of two, with gold inlay against a deep brown patinated ground. Its four faces show the Sphinx before the pyramids of Giza, a pharaoh hunting from a reed boat, a royal couple beneath the rays of the sun, and a procession of figures above a winged scarab. Pieces like this followed the opening of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, when Egyptian imagery swept through the decorative arts. It fills the palm and has the quiet weight of an object made to be kept on a desk.

Materials
Patinated steel with gold damascene inlay

Details

• Era: 1920s–1930s
• Style / design notes: Four-sided pyramid with a different engraved and inlaid scene on each face, sun disc at each apex, hieroglyphic borders; unmarked
• Function: Paperweight or desk object
• Color: Dark brown, gold
• Condition: Good vintage condition, wear to the gold inlay, small spots of bare metal and oxidation along the edges and on two faces, and patina on the base, please see images
• Measurement: 2.3" by 2.3" by 2"

Collected by Mineral and Matter