ISLAMIC ART HAMMER AUCTION MAY 2025
Lot
A NIELLOED CAST BRONZE INCENSE BURNER, KHURASAN, PERSIA, 11TH-12TH CENTURY A NIELLOED CAST BRONZE INCENSE BURNER, KHURASAN, PERSIA, 11TH-12TH CENTURY A NIELLOED CAST BRONZE INCENSE BURNER, KHURASAN, PERSIA, 11TH-12TH CENTURY A NIELLOED CAST BRONZE INCENSE BURNER, KHURASAN, PERSIA, 11TH-12TH CENTURY A NIELLOED CAST BRONZE INCENSE BURNER, KHURASAN, PERSIA, 11TH-12TH CENTURY

A NIELLOED CAST BRONZE INCENSE BURNER, KHURASAN, PERSIA, 11TH-12TH CENTURY

Reference: ART3003735

Cast bronze with engraved and punched decoration with niello, knop-head lid with central vertical aperture, carved with foliate Kufic band on lid and scrolling palmettes on body, old collector's number written under foot 'MTW 328'
Height 9 cm.
Diameter 6 cm.

Inscriptions
Repeat of: ‘Perpetual glory’

CATALOGUE NOTE
Reminiscent of Buddhist reliquaries, the shape of this incense burner sits at the crossroads of cultures. The technique itself of engraving with niello highlights with an emphasis on foliate palmettes (either on the vines or in the calligraphy) is seen on metalwork from Spain to Persia. A sword pommel in the Furusiyya Art Foundation, attributed to Syria or Persia, ninth-tenth century, displays a similar niello and silver aesthetic with foliate Kufic (inv. no.R-623, see Furusiyya Art Foundation 2008, p.106, no.68).

This object is currently being prepared for the "ISLAMIC ART HAMMER AUCTION MAY 2025" auction. More information on this lot will follow soon.