The Timeline of Art History   The Metropolitan Museum of Art
World MapsTimelines / RegionsThematic EssaysWorks of ArtIndex  
Incense burner, end of 13th or beginning of 14th century; Mamluk
Damascus, Syria
Brass, inlaid with gold and silver; Diam. 6 in. (15.2 cm)
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917 (17.190.2095)

Spherical incense burners, few of which have survived, were hung from the ceiling or from the vault of an arch, and the ingenious system of gimbals (also called cardan joints) inside the sphere stabilized the burning incense in the swinging container.


Open full-size and alternate view(s)



  • Related Timeline(s)

    Related Index Terms

    Material and Technique

    Object

    Subject Matter/Theme

    Technical Glossary




    Print
    Close
  • Incense burner, end of 13th or beginning of 14th century; Mamluk
    Damascus, Syria
    Brass, inlaid with gold and silver; Diam. 6 in. (15.2 cm)
    Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917 (17.190.2095)