Incense boat

Physical description

Incense boat set on a low foot in the form of a truncated cone. There is a double lid hinged across the centre and with one half rivited down. Each end is bent back in a loop formed as a serpent's head. Applied to the centre of each half of the lid is a pierced cast in the form of a coiled serpent. Encircling the container is a band of imitation Arabic script enamelled in light and dark blue. The lid is enamelled with a pattern of scrolling foliage enamelled in light and dark blue, white and red.

Place of Origin

Limoges, France (Made)

Date

13th century (Made)

Materials and Techniques

Enamel on copper-gilt

Descriptive line

Incense Boat; enamel on copper-gilt; features serpents' heads and imitation Arabic script; Limoges, 13th century.

Collection code

MET