Skip to Main Content

Incense Burner

100s BCE
bronze
Overall: 61 cm (24 in.)
John L. Severance Fund 1952.96
Location: 102D Pre-Roman
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.

Download, Print and Share

Did You Know?

The circular depression on the top of this object likely held incense.

Description

Both elaborate and functional, the Etruscan thymiaterion, or incense burner, typically comprises at least three main parts—tripod stand, shaft, and, at the top, a shallow bowl for incense. Often, a figural support is incorporated, here in the form of a youthful male nude, perhaps the wine god Dionysos. Below him, the tripod stand features cloven hoofs, while above him a spotted cat or panther climbs toward a rooster or other crested bird. Holes in each corner of the square upper plate likely held additional animals or other ornaments.
Incense Burner

Incense Burner

100s BCE

Etruscan

See Also

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.