Zoomorphic Incense Burners of Medieval Khurasan: A study of Islamic metalwork
By Elizabeth C. Kelly
BAR Publishing
ISBN: 978 1 4073 5368 5
In the medieval world, incense burners were a popular item, often crafted with great skill. This book explores how artisans in Central Asia shaped these metal burners into forms like lions, horses, and other animals, creating a unique and thriving industry.
Excerpt:
This book is the product of research into the zoomorphic incense burners (ZIBs) produced in medieval Khurasan between c. 441-597/1050-1200, attempting to understand their role, function and meaning. A database is established with a defined classification criteria, criteria which was used to analyse their iconology and iconography in the context of other contemporaneous metalwork. In general, the existing literature had focused on the more sophisticated metalwork that served the wealthy elite in ceremonial settings, paying limited attention to the more modest ZIBs.
Who is this book for?
While the book details a rather niche industry, it can be used as a good case study of the abilities of medieval artisans. It will mostly appeal to those studying material culture or medieval art, particularly in the Islamic world.
The Author
Elizabeth C. Kelly recently earned a PhD in History of Art and Archaeology from SOAS University of London. This book is based on her dissertation.
You can learn more about this book and read the introduction from the publisher’s websiteÂ
You can buy this book on Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
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