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Censer

before 1477
Not on view
Octagonal in section, this censer not only draws heavily on architectural vocabulary but also, in the upper section, imitates a Gothic structure such as a centrally planned oratory or baptistery. The lowest of the three elevations is composed of eight pairs of tall, doubled windows surmounted by quatrefoils and a crocketed gable.

The architectural conceit well suits the function of the object, as the generous fenestrations allow air to fire the incense coals while providing an escape for the perfuming smoke. The four chains threaded through every other tower support the vessel; raising the fifth chain by the ring elevates the entire upper section, allowing for the addition of incense.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Censer
  • Date: before 1477
  • Geography: Made in Basel, Switzerland
  • Culture: Swiss
  • Medium: Silver, raised and cast
  • Dimensions: Overall: 31 7/8 x 5 3/4 in. (81 x 14.6 cm)
    censer without chain: 9 11/16 x 5 3/4 in. (24.6 x 14.6 cm)
    Lid: 7 1/4 x 5 3/4 in. (18.4 x 14.6 cm)
    Base: 2 11/16 x 5 3/4 in. (6.8 x 14.6 cm)
    Chain: 25 1/2in. (64.8cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Silver
  • Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.190.360
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

Audio

Cover Image for 3170. Censer, Part 1

3170. Censer, Part 1

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NARRATOR: This silver censer has an elaborate architectural form. Censers are objects filled with grains of incense that when lit, release a sweet smelling perfume. This smoke was thought to represent the prayers of the people rising toward heaven. Curator Barbara Drake Boehm:

BARBARA DRAKE BOEHM: And of course this is the kind of object that was used every single day in churches in the Middle Ages for all kinds of sacred ceremonies, from funerals to the daily celebration of the Mass. It’s very extraordinary, given how frequently these pieces were used and how aggressively they were used in a sense, you know—you have to swing this piece back and forth for this perfume smoke to be released—that an example that is in precious silver should survive, and…it’s benefited from amazing luck.

NARRATOR: Press the green PLAY button to hear how this object miraculously survived.

    Listen to more about this artwork

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