Incense burner

Title

Incense burner

Year/Period

1800

Region

Tamil Nadu, India

Material

BRZ/COP

Technique

The cire perdue or lost wax method was used to cast such ritual objects. First, models of each part of the incense burner is made of wax. These models are then encased in clay and heated to let the wax melt. This process leaves a cavity which is filled wi

Dimension

Object size: H:85.0 x Dia:33.0 cm

Accession No.

1993-00359

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

This globe-shaped incense burner with a peacock (hansa) finial rests on a platform surrounded by a series of nandis and linggams. Devanagari script is found incised at the base of the burner. The perforated semi-spherical part of the top of the burner may be lifted for lighting the incense. The burning of incense was an important part of ritualistic devotion as it is believed to ward off evil spirits.The burner was probably used during pujas in a Shivaite temple as its motifs include the bull, Nandikeshvara, the vehicle and attendant of Shiva, the god of destruction and the linggam and yoni, symbolising the combination of male and female energies.