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Lid of an Incense Burner

8th century

Not on view

Silks were woven in many designs. One widely popular type was a diaper pattern that used a latticelike organizational scheme with narrow intersecting diagonal bands to create rhomboid or square fields filled with various motifs.
The diaper pattern of lozenges framed with pearls resembles patterns on contemporary silks. The pearls are a hallmark of Roman, Byzantine, and Sasanian metalwork. The lid’s secure excavation provenance and dating provide a valuable connection between Islamic metalwork and the late antique tradition.

Lid of an Incense Burner, Leaded bronze, cast, pierced, and engraved — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Lid of an Incense Burner

Date: 8th century

Geography: Made in Eastern Mediterranean, excavated at Umm al-Walid, Jordan

Medium: Leaded bronze, cast, pierced, and engraved

Dimensions: L: 3 9/16 in. (9 cm); w: 3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm)

Classification: Metalwork

Credit Line: Madaba Archaeological Museum, Jordan ( 667 )

Accession Number: isl791

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Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.