Brazier
Unknown Artist
probably 15th century
Medium
Bronze; cast and chased
Dimensions
H. 9 5/8 in. (24.4 cm) W. 25 in. (63.5 cm) D. 25 in. (63.5 cm)
Classification
Metal
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Nathaniel Spear Jr. Gift, 1988
Accession Number
1988.293
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art collection, this striking bronze brazier, likely crafted in the 15th, exemplifies the exquisite metalworking traditions of the Islamic world. about 9½ inches tall and spanning 25 inches wide, this wide, shallow vessel was designed to hold glowing coals, providing warmth, light, or fragrant incense in homes, palaces, or mosques. Its generous dimensions made it both practical and a focal point for gatherings, reflecting the era's blend of utility and beauty. The brazier was created using sophisticated techniques: first cast in bronze—a dur...