Incense burner, cast bronze with openwork and engraved decoration

Trade with incense (luban) was an important source of income for the Arabs from ancient times, and this substance for “improving the air” was also used by the Muslims. A number of incense burners were designed as animals, with lions found most frequently. As in this case, the animal’s natural shape was often ignored and instead it was given stylized, non-naturalistic features, often vegetal ornamentation. The tail was given a life of its own and became an independent being.

The head was tipped open, coal embers were placed in the animal’s belly, and incense was sprinkled on top.

Incense burners in the form of a lion are found in many different sizes. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has the largest one, 82.6 cm long.