Design for a Surtout de Table, for State Porcelain Service of Ismail, Khedive of Egypt

Composite design for side view and end view of a large table centerpiece. The side view (to the left) consists of a tall base decorated in the middle with a rectangular cartouche filled with Egyptian motifs, including vertical bands of papyri, on either side of a central field of double rings, joined by a stylized flower, above double necklace motifs. The edge of the base has a band of stylized papyri and scarob beetles. Above the base, a blue hippopotamus, painted with flying birds and stylized papyri, supports a large shallow bowl with flaring rim also decorated with papyri and a band of scarobs alternating with necklaces. The end view of the surtout (to the right) shows a large roundel with state insignia in the middle including the ankh and the royal whip. The same border of papyri decorate edge of base with a central mask. Above the base is a partial view of a blue hippopotamus supporting a shallow bowl.