This is one of those pieces where the original purpose matters considerably less to me than what you can do with it now.
The rectangular metal piece has an elaborate Egyptian scene worked across the center. A large circular medallion depicts the Great Sphinx with the pyramids behind it, surrounded by panels of Egyptian figures, symbols and hieroglyphic-style motifs. An ornate raised border and decorative corner flourishes frame the entire thing.
The metal has developed a warm, darkened finish with areas of gold, bronze and coppery color showing through. There is visible age and wear throughout, which gives the imagery considerably more atmosphere than a shiny reproduction ever could.
It can be displayed upright as a wall plaque or decorative panel, but I photographed it as an altar tray because that's where I think this thing gets interesting. It's large enough to create a defined little working area for crystals, a pendulum, photographs, cards, offerings or whatever you're using for a particular reading or ritual.
Mystical & Altar Uses
Egyptian imagery has been tangled up with Western occultism, mysticism and fascination with the afterlife for a very long time. Rather than assigning specific magical powers to imagery whose original meaning we don't fully know here, I like this piece as a setting for the work.
Use it beneath crystals and divination tools, create a small ancestor or spirit-working space on top of it, use it to contain the pieces of a particular ritual, or stand it upright behind an altar as a backdrop.
The central Sphinx also brings its own rather irresistible associations with mystery, hidden knowledge and things that aren't giving up their answers quite that easily.
Details
Vintage Egyptian revival decorative metal tray / wall plaque
Approx. 12.5" long
Approx. 7.375" wide
Approx. 0.5" thick
Central Sphinx and pyramid medallion
Surrounding pharaonic figures and hieroglyphic-style motifs
Ornate raised border and decorative corners
Can be displayed as decor or used as an altar tray
Exact age, maker and metal composition unknown
One available
Vintage Condition
This is a genuinely vintage piece and shows visible wear from age and previous use. Expect scratches, scuffs, discoloration, tarnish, finish loss, darkening and other surface imperfections throughout.
I have not attempted to polish or restore the metal. Personally, I think stripping away all that age would defeat most of the reason this thing looks good in the first place.
Please examine all photos closely, as they are part of the condition description and show the exact piece you will receive.
All crystals, photographs, divination tools and other items shown in the photos are styling props and are not included.
