Unknown Artist
Primary

Incense Burner

5 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. x 4 in. (13.97 cm x 8.89 cm x 10.16 cm)

This object has the following keywords:

• bronze - Refers to a broad range of alloys of copper, specifically any non-ferrous alloy of copper, tin, and zinc or other trace metals. Bronze was made before 3,000 BCE -- possibly as early as 10,000 BCE, although its common use in tools and decorative items is dated only in later artifacts. The proportions of copper and tin vary widely, from 70 to 95 percent copper in surviving ancient artifacts. Because of the copper base, bronze may be very malleable and easy to work. By the Middle Ages in Europe, it was recognized that using the metals in certain proportions could yield specific properties. Some modern bronzes contain no tin at all, substituting other metals such as aluminum, manganese, and even zinc. Historically, the term was used interchangeably with "latten." U.S. standard bronze is composed of 90% copper, 7% tin and 3% zinc. Ancient bronze alloys sometimes contained up to 14% tin.
• incense burners - A vessel or stand in or on which incense is burnt for the purpose of scenting a space, whether or not the action also has a ceremonial purpose. For containers, often in the form of a covered vase or sometimes in the form of a tripod, that hold perfumes or pastilles, use "cassolettes."
• mother of pearl - Hard, pearly, iridescent internal layer of various kinds of mollusk shell, extensively used for making small articles and inlays.

This object is a member of the following portfolios: