Lot 316
- 316
A cast bronze hanging censer, Palestine or Armenia, circa 12th century or earlier
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Bronze
of deep circular form on a short foot, with raised rounded facets engraved with stylised figural designs, rim with three raised sections for fixing chains, underside with inventory number '40.1352'
Provenance
Ex-collection Theron J. Damon, on loan to the Worcester Art Museum, Massachusetts, since 1940
Condition
In fair overall condition, various knocks, bumps and abrasions consistent with age, two replacement suspension loops, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Although this incense burner resembles a known group of Christian censers ascribed to Syria around the time of the first Arab conquest, an example of which is in the David Collection, Copenhagen (inv. no. 7/1994) which is at the same time covered with scenes from the life of Christ (completely stylised in this example) and bears the Kufic inscription "In the name of God [Allah], made by Yaqub son of Isaq of Damascus", most probably dating to the Umayyad period (von Folsach 2001, p.286, no.454), a very close comparable in the State History Museum of Armenian (inv. no. 766-178), ascribes it to Armenia as confirmed by its discovery at the excavations at Ani, and attributed to the eleventh to thirteenth centuries (Treasures of Armenia, Megaron, the Athens Concert Hall: Crossroads Cycle, 3 April - 30 June 1998, p.117, no. 15).