Publication Date
Fifth - sixth century AH / eleventh - twelfth century AD
Publication Place
-
Museum of Civilizations / Museum of Oriental Arts
Subject
Bronze, engraving and openwork decoration
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
الارتفاع: 17.5 سم ، العرض: 15سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
IsIAO 5995/6763
Record ID
object;EPM;it;Mus22;8;ar
Library Location
Museum of Civilizations / Museum of Oriental Arts
Date
Fifth - sixth century AH / eleventh - twelfth century AD
Notes
The incense burner consists of three feline bodies, possibly lions, and is made in a style common in the Seljuk era: the heads are round, the ears are triangular and pointed, the mouth is half open, and the eyes are pierced. The three bodies are connected by an element with a cavity in the center. There are holes visible behind the annuals, precisely on the three heads, and grouped in the lower part of the neck. The details of the openwork on the lower part of the piece do not adhere to a typical style, for example, using plants or geometric shapes as in other contemporary elements, but are arranged within square and rectangular frames. The fine holes grouped together were essential in the piece for the smoke to escape. The cat-shaped incense burners are part of the distinctive types of Iranian metal production in the Seljuk era. But most often the piece represents one complete animal. The formation of three feline bodies in the piece here is not entirely unique as other documented examples feature a cavity in the center of the element connecting the bodies, which contains the incense vapor or substance to be burned (see Louvre Museum, MAO 357). But sometimes, in the central area, circular perforated elements are added and a bird motif is placed on top of them. Lions, lynxes and leopards are also frequently used motifs in Islamic art as they are characteristic of royal iconography or court settings as they symbolize strength, courage and authority. The quality of the piece's workmanship and the high value of incense as a trade commodity during the Middle Ages meant that the piece belonged to a wealthy family.
Sample Text
Francesca M. Anzelmo "Incense burner" fromExplore Islamic art collections. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;EPM;it;Mus22;8;ar
