Brazier
mid 16th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This brazier served as a portable metal heater. It was made in Flanders of bronze, a mixture of copper and tin that is stronger and harder than copper. The perforations are not simply decorative. They ensured a flow of air to keep the charcoal embers burning.
Food and drink were often prepared a long way from the room in which they were consumed. People burned charcoal in braziers to keep kettles or pans hot and to warm rooms when there was no fire. Moderate-sized braziers were generally set down on tables or tripod stands.
Braziers have the longest and most widespread history of all types of heating apparatus. They could be used at any time and in any place, speedily ignited or conveniently stored away when not in use. They burned charcoal, a more convenient, economical and efficient fuel than raw timber. It was cheaper to transport, easier to store and longer lasting as less was needed to generate the same amount of heat. Smoke and fumes were eliminated in the open and only the glowing embers brought indoors.
Food and drink were often prepared a long way from the room in which they were consumed. People burned charcoal in braziers to keep kettles or pans hot and to warm rooms when there was no fire. Moderate-sized braziers were generally set down on tables or tripod stands.
Braziers have the longest and most widespread history of all types of heating apparatus. They could be used at any time and in any place, speedily ignited or conveniently stored away when not in use. They burned charcoal, a more convenient, economical and efficient fuel than raw timber. It was cheaper to transport, easier to store and longer lasting as less was needed to generate the same amount of heat. Smoke and fumes were eliminated in the open and only the glowing embers brought indoors.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Bronze |
| Brief description | Bronze brazier pierced with six groups of five holes and with a spreading foot, Flemish, mid 16th century |
| Physical description | The side of the bowl is sloping slightly outwards, pierced with six groups of five holes, with crenellated top; spreading foot. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Credit line | Given by Dr W.L. Hildburgh |
| Summary | This brazier served as a portable metal heater. It was made in Flanders of bronze, a mixture of copper and tin that is stronger and harder than copper. The perforations are not simply decorative. They ensured a flow of air to keep the charcoal embers burning. Food and drink were often prepared a long way from the room in which they were consumed. People burned charcoal in braziers to keep kettles or pans hot and to warm rooms when there was no fire. Moderate-sized braziers were generally set down on tables or tripod stands. Braziers have the longest and most widespread history of all types of heating apparatus. They could be used at any time and in any place, speedily ignited or conveniently stored away when not in use. They burned charcoal, a more convenient, economical and efficient fuel than raw timber. It was cheaper to transport, easier to store and longer lasting as less was needed to generate the same amount of heat. Smoke and fumes were eliminated in the open and only the glowing embers brought indoors. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.94-1953 |
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| Record created | February 9, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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