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Incense Boat

13th century (Made)
Place of origin

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.


Object details

Object type
Materials and techniques
Enamel on copper-gilt
Brief description
Incense Boat; enamel on copper-gilt; features serpents' heads and imitation Arabic script; Limoges, 13th century.
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.
Credit line
Dr W.L. Hildburgh Bequest
Collection
Accession number
M.458-1956

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Record createdJune 19, 2000
Record URL
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