Seljuk Bronze Incense Burner Circa 12th-13th century AD This interesting brass incense burner is crafted in the form of a half-dome, above a rounded dish base elevated by three short legs. Topped with a protruding zoomorphic head finial, the burner features partially openwork and engraved designs around the lower body. The dynamic figures of guards, each holding long spears, are contained within cartouches, interspersed with decorative arabesque medallions. Incense burners were essential for religious rituals and ceremonies, used to purify the air and create an ambience for prayer and meditation. The ventilation holes on the sides allowed for the release of fragrant smoke. Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 53.219. Dimensions: 140mm x 70mm; weight 255g Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old British collection formed in the 1990s. Disclaimer: NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION. All items will be shipped from Belgium. The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits. The seller will not ship outside the EU.