Publication Date
X-XII centuries
Publication Place
-
Bumler Group
Subject
Bronze, cast, perforated
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
الارتفاع : 10.5 سم ، الطول : 7.6 سم ، العرض : : 4 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
BC 0132
Record ID
object;EPM;de;Mus23;6;ar
Library Location
Bumler Group
Date
X-XII centuries
Notes
This lion's torso appears to be part of an incense burner. But unlike other known forms, the function pattern is different. The piece consists of the body of a cat-like animal with its front legs and ends in the shape of a conical thorn with a broken end. The body of the piece shows the presence of a hollow chamber that is located exactly behind the cat's chest, which in turn shows openwork. The openwork consists of a layer of palm leaves in the shape of an inverted heart. The ends are wrapped together and also consist of palm leaves. Above the elongated neck is the head with the face facing upward. It is characterized by a precise, clear cut with a prominent nose. The eyes and mouth are also perforated. All other details are depicted by sculpture. The legs are long, slender and slightly curved and may be molded separately. There are several known types of animal-shaped incense burners. The most common type is the type that has a head that can be folded back to open the bowl and place incense in it. But this example seems to work like a drawer. The incense can easily be placed in the hollow chamber and the piece is then placed in the other half of the formation, where the conical end ensures that it acts as a base and legs to hold it.
Sample Text
“Incense burner, lion torso” within Discover the collections of Islamic art. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;EPM;de;Mus23;6;ar
