Description
SOLD: Rare miniature Khorasan Cast Brass Incense burner 800+ years old
This is a very rare and diminutive incense burner with a long handle and four ball feet.
The design/shape is documented and a few examples are known.
However, what makes this piece rarer and even more desirable is the diminutive size.
We have noted several diminutive pieces of Khorasan metal work that appear to be tradesman’s samples. A wealthy merchant or prince would not be expected to enter the blacksmith’s workshop to select a piece and it would be very difficult to take several large pieces to a palace or mansion. Hence, these miniature samples could be taken with options of various sizes, shapes and finishes such as silver inlay.
A full sized burner of similar shape and style sold at Christie’s (London) in 2004 for £18,000 (details available on request).
A block of incense would have sat in the hollow section and the scent of the incense / bakhoor would have escaped through the pierced grills.
A piece of coal (on which the piece of bakhoor would be placed to burn) was taken from a large fire and the purpose of the pierced handle is to stop the heat moving up the handle and burning the hand.
There is a lot of detail on this beautiful piece and it is in excellent condition with areas of wear that result in an overall wonderful ancient patina.
This beautiful piece has all the associated wear and tear that one would expect from an ancient piece that has been in the ground for several centuries.
Even for such a diminutive piece, a lot of thought has gone into linking the form and function.
The four ball feet are intact and there is is a rosette motif in the centre of the underside, surrounded by another circular design. Three sides are pierced with one or two very minor losses on the piercing. The four knops are beautifully shaped in a triangular conical shape.
Looking from above, the hollow section is also shaped to look like a rosette.
The long hollow handle is also pierced and there is a beautiful terminal with a knob and finishing with another rosette at the end of the handle.
This wonderful miniature cast brass (bronze) incense burner is only 175mm long by 60mm high by 60mm wide.
Prices are negotiable within reason so please contact us if you wish to discuss an item that is of interest.
Shipping will be at cost and the buyer is responsible for any import/export fees or taxes.
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Viewing is strictly by appointment and a minimum of 48 hours notice is required as no items are stored on site.
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We also further guarantee that our artefacts are legitimately sourced..