Egyptomania Ball Card In Gold Encrusted Tortoiseshell

Very unusual dance card in very dark tortoiseshell inlaid with motifs from ancient Egypt. The front is decorated with spandrels of Sobek, the crocodile-headed god, and centered with the inlay SOUVENIR surrounded by a frame of ornamental convolutions. Fine gold threads frame and structure the decoration.
The verso is inlaid in the center with a representation of winged Isis presenting the key of life, kneeling on a pedestal with plant symbols and hieroglyphs on either side. The plates are mounted on red leather and lined with light blue satin. The leather elements for placing the pencil are present. The pencil is later but allows the notebook to be held closed.

Old restorations at two corners, with missing gold thread. Notebook missing.

Here is a witness to the Egyptomania of the 19th century which saw the discoveries of Champollion and the arrival of the obelisk offered by the viceroy of Egypt Mehmet Ali in 1830!
Good condition, Restoration period around 1840.

Dimensions 9.2cm x 6.8cm x 1cm
Weight 43g