Incense Burner
ca. 1855 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
When this design was shown at the 1862 International Exhibition in London, J. B. Waring commented "A good example of that particular development of the Greek style which has distinguished the ornamental designs of France for the last few years called 'Neo-Grec'". It also features distinct elements of Islamic design, then known as "Moorish" which was considered particularly suitable for smoking rooms and implements, and (unsuprisingly) for Turkish Baths. The pattern was popular for many years. It was first shown by Barbedienne at the 1855 Paris Exhibition, where he won a Grand Medal of Honour, and from where the Museum bought this example for £48. The incense burner is made of metal plated in silver and oxidised. Oxidisation involved darkening the silver. This was done with a sulphide (such as ammonium sulphide), rather than with oxygen, and was thought to be beneficial because sculptural contrasts stood out much more clearly.
Object details
Category | |
Object type | |
Parts | This object consists of 4 parts.
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Materials and techniques | Oxidised silver |
Brief description | Incense burner with stand, made by Ferdinand Barbédienne, Paris, ca. 1855 |
Physical description | Incense burner in metal, plated with 'oxidised' silver: in the form of a vase, with cover and two handles resting on a circular salver which is supported on a stand with four tiger's heads as feet; arabesque decorative mix of Asian and European styles. |
Dimensions |
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Styles | |
Gallery label | INCENSE BURNER
Manufacturer, Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892)
Paris, about 1855
Metal plated with "oxidised" silver
2707-1856
This incense burner was bought for £48 from the Paris 1855 Exhibition at which Barbédienne was awarded a Grand Medal of Honour. The design was shown again in London in 1862 when J.B. Waring commended the vase as 'a good example of that particular development of the Greek style which has distinguished the ornamental designs of France for the last few years called "Neo-Grec."' (Masterpieces of industrial art and sculpture at the International Exhibition 1862). However, while the stand is neo-grec, the incense burner derives from a middle eastern source.(1987-2006) |
Object history | Bought from Paris 1855 Exhibition for £48. When this design was shown at the 1862 International Exhibition in London, J. B. Waring commented "A good example of that particular development of the Greek style which has distinguished the ornamental designs of France for the last few years called 'Neo-Grec'". It also features distinct elements of Islamic design, then known as "Moorish": this was considered particularly suitable for smoking rooms and implements, and (unsuprisingly) for Turkish Baths. The pattern was lastingly popular. It was first shown by Barbedienne at the 1855 Paris Exhibition, where he won a Grand Medal of Honour, and from where the Museum bought this example for £48. Napoleon and Victoria Exhibition RF.2007/800 |
Summary | When this design was shown at the 1862 International Exhibition in London, J. B. Waring commented "A good example of that particular development of the Greek style which has distinguished the ornamental designs of France for the last few years called 'Neo-Grec'". It also features distinct elements of Islamic design, then known as "Moorish" which was considered particularly suitable for smoking rooms and implements, and (unsuprisingly) for Turkish Baths. The pattern was popular for many years. It was first shown by Barbedienne at the 1855 Paris Exhibition, where he won a Grand Medal of Honour, and from where the Museum bought this example for £48. The incense burner is made of metal plated in silver and oxidised. Oxidisation involved darkening the silver. This was done with a sulphide (such as ammonium sulphide), rather than with oxygen, and was thought to be beneficial because sculptural contrasts stood out much more clearly. |
Collection | |
Accession number | 2707 to C-1856 |
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Record created | March 3, 2004 |
Record URL |
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