


Pierced globe, Mamluk period (1250–1517), late 13th–early 14th century
Syria, Damascus
Brass; spun and turned, pierced, chased, inlaid with gold, silver, and black compound
Syria, Damascus
Brass; spun and turned, pierced, chased, inlaid with gold, silver, and black compound
H. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm), H. with chain 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm), Diam. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 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.







