361 - Medieval Bronze Incense Burner. Germany, circa 1200 A.D. Hollow-formed two-part casting; base cup-shaped with basal ring and six radiating flanges with nimbate figures between, three rings to the rim; cover of similar shape with rings and flanges, openwork interstitial panels each with a tall standing figure beside a shorter one with vegetation, at the apex a slotted tube and knop finial. Cf. a comparable incense burner in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, inv.no. 09.152.5 686 grams total, 15.3 cm high (6 in.). [No Reserve]

Medieval Bronze Incense Burner. Germany, circa 1200 A.D. Hollow-formed two-part casting; base cup-shaped with basal ring and six radiating flanges with nimbate figures between, three rings to the rim; cover of similar shape with rings and flanges, openwork interstitial panels each with a tall standing figure beside a shorter one with vegetation, at the apex a slotted tube and knop finial. Cf. a comparable incense burner in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, inv.no. 09.152.5 686 grams total, 15.3 cm high (6 in.). [No Reserve] Collection of Melissa Minervino Gabardi (1943-2021), Milan. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13510-262838. Since early Christian times, the burning of incense during church services has symbolised prayers rising to heaven, which was particularly visible in the Eastern Liturgy. The censer's architectural form is enriched by the animal and human figures that adorn its surface. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.