Incense Burner of Amir Saif al-Dunya wa’l-Din ibn Muhammad al-Mawardi
dated A.H. 577/ 1181–82 CE
Medium
Bronze; cast, engraved, chased, pierced
Dimensions
OveralL. H. 33 1/2 in. (85.1 cm) L. 32 1/2 in. (82.6 cm) W. 9 in. (22.9 cm) L. from heel of back foot to toe of front foot: 22 in. (55.9 cm) L. from toe of front foot to tip of nose: 4 in. (10.2 cm) L. from heel of back foot to tip of taiL. 7 in. (17.8 cm)
Classification
Metal
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1951
Accession Number
51.56
Tags
Art Historical Context
This remarkable incense burner, crafted by the artist Jaʿfar ibn Muhammad ibn ʿAli in 1181–82 CE, stands as a testament to the sophisticated metalworking traditions of the Islamic world during the late 12th century. Measuring over 33 inches in height and shaped like an animal—likely a feline, given its detailed feet, nose, and tail—the piece was created for Amir Saif al-Dunya wa’l-Din ibn Muhammad al-Mawardi. Its precise dating makes it a rare, documented example of medieval Islamic patronage, reflecting the era’s blend of utility and artistry in courtly settings. The work’s medium of bronze,...