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:27 سم ، العرض: 10.5سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
IsIAO 2632
Record ID
object;EPM;it;Mus22;9;ar
Library Location
Museum of Civilizations / Museum of Oriental Arts
Date
Fifth - sixth century AH / eleventh - twelfth century AD
Notes
The incense burner has a cylindrical body topped with a semi-dome-shaped lid that opens from the front. The lower part is supported by four legs representing animal legs, which are divided into four panels/facades by pairs of vertical grooves. The dome is divided into two areas using the same model. The method of decoration is engraved in the body of the piece and as a hole in the upper dome to allow smoke to escape. It features animal shapes and dedicatory inscriptions within vertical areas and medallions. This is considered a widespread decorative style in the Islamic world in the Middle Ages, especially in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The piece can also be hung, as shown by the elongated ring with the small shape of a bird standing above it. The half-dome shape of the incense burner is inspired by architectural models and belongs to the style that was widespread in Iran in the tenth to thirteenth centuries. Most known incense burners show only three legs, and the piece shown here is one of the few examples that have four legs. The use of scented scents and aromatic substances to scent rooms and for personal beauty is well documented in all Islamic countries during the Middle Ages, according to written sources and by various pieces (incense burners, sprays, scented water sprayers, containers, etc.) made from different materials. Mostly, they are used by places representing the ruling authority or in aristocratic places. These pieces were also used in religious buildings and are found in the Christian church. Since the first centuries of Islamic times, incense has become very important in the commercial field. Wonderful types of scented oils, incense, aromatic wood, and herbs were available in special markets (souk al-‘Attarin) in the main cities. Islamic craftsmanship consequently developed a production sector specialized in providing the necessary tools to meet this special demand. Metal incense burners, in particular, are among the most valuable pieces of Islamic artistic production.
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;9;ar
