Mythical lion incense burner
This metal incense burner takes the form of a leaping mythical lion with elephants in its claws. The lion’s face is pointed and angry, his mane rising flame-like from his head. A slender column rises up from his hind quarters, the receptacle for incense sticks. The vine on which he is perched emerges from the gaping jaws of another mythical creature whose head protrudes from a triple-stepped lotus base with pearl-beaded border, typical of Odishan metalwork.
Artwork Details
- Title: Mythical lion incense burner
- Date: ca. 1850
- Culture: India, Odisha (Orissa)
- Medium: Brass
- Dimensions: H. 12 1/8 in. (30.8 cm); W. 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm); Diam. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Purchase, Carol Collins Malone Gift, 2026
- Object Number: 2026.359
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Indian (Santal group of Munda people)
second half 19th century
Japan
17th century
Indian (possibly Munda people)
late 19th century
China
Indian
late 19th century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.