NORTH EAST PERSIA, 11TH CENTURY

Details

A KHORASSAN COPPER INLAID BRONZE INCENSE BURNER IN THE FORM OF A COCKEREL
North East Persia, 11th Century
With highly stylised features, feather motifs engraved over the head, the eyes inset with turquoise and inlaid with copper, various panels of pierced interlace on the body, that on the breast being the most complex with copper applied studs, the feet terminating in pronounced claws, a high curling crest on its head, the separate tail with bayonet fixing pierced with a panel of interlace terminating in a stellar interlace panel and forward stylised bird's head, a cup-shaped pivoted holder for the incense suspended under the belly, rich green and red patination, slight repairs
11in. (28cm.) high

Special notice

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Lot Essay

While numerous incense burners in the form of partidge-like birds and even lions have been published, there appears to be no parallel for the present remarkable sculptural representation of a cockerel. It manages to convey in its stylisation the very real characteristics of the fighting cockerel: the aggressive forward extension of the neck, the elongated claws and the extended comb all add to the strength of the image.

The technique of having the incense in a hemispherical bowl swinging under the belly is innovative. It enables the bowl to be filled, but then leaves the method of filling almost completely concealed when the bird is righted.

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