Medieval Bronze Incense Burner

GERMANY, CIRCA 1200 A.D.

6 in. (686 grams total, 15.3 cm high).

Hollow-formed two-part casting; base cup-shaped with basal ring and six radiating flanges with nimbate figures between, three rings to the rim; cover of similar shape with rings and flanges, openwork interstitial panels each with a tall standing figure beside a shorter one with vegetation, at the apex a slotted tube and knop finial. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Collection of Melissa Minervino Gabardi (1943-2021), Milan.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13510-262838.

Literature

Cf. a comparable incense burner in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, inv.no. 09.152.5

Footnotes

Since early Christian times, the burning of incense during church services has symbolised prayers rising to heaven, which was particularly visible in the Eastern Liturgy. The censer's architectural form is enriched by the animal and human figures that adorn its surface.

CONDITION

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LOT 0361