Cylindrical in shape and mounted on three feet, this incense burner with a copula-shaped lid features figures of musicians, drinkers and armed guards with a characteristic circular halo around their heads. The vessel’s feet are embellished with a frontal depiction of a two-headed eagle.

History of the Object

This incense burner is a fine example of Islamic decorative metalwork executed using the inlay technique. This method of setting metal into contrasting metal surfaces was developed in the 12th century (probably in Herat). Eventually, the inlaying technique spread to Mosul, and further on to Syria and Egypt, where it reached its peak in the 13th and 14th centuries. Figural motifs for vessel decoration appeared chiefly in the late Ayyubid and early Mamluk eras.