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Zoomorphic Incense Burners of Medieval Khurasan: A study of Islamic metalwork
Elizabeth C. Kelly
Zoomorphic incense burners were produced in medieval Khurasan between c.441-597/1050-1200. This book examines their role, function and meaning. It includes a database with defined classification criteria that enables them to be contextualised with other contemporaneous metalwork. Multicultural medieval Khurasan prospered from mercantile activities facilitated by the trade routes. The increased wealth, including middle-class patronage, movement of artisans and goods, along with the resultant transcultural exchanges, all contributed towards a changing aesthetic in artwork that reflect interests and lifestyles. The zoomorphic incense burners that emerged during this time displayed a hybridised iconography of feline and equine characteristics. The analysis indicates they are associated with symbols of power, sovereignty, the military and hunting. Their decorative palmette motifs provide representations of esfand, a plant considered to have talismanic and apotropaic properties known for inducing bravery amongst warriors.
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Cover
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Title page
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Copyright page
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Of related interest
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Acknowledgements
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Dedication
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Contents
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List of figures
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List of tables
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Notes to the reader
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Journal abbreviations
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Abbreviations for institutions
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Abstract
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1. Introduction
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2. Khurasan: land of the rising sun
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2.1. Introduction to medieval Khurasan
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2.2. Historical background
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2.3. Trade routes in medieval Khurasan
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2.4. The use of incense in medieval Khurasan
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2.5. Conclusion
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3. Some significant metalwork objects of medieval Khurasan
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3.1. Early metalwork objects of medieval Khurasan
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3.2. Later metalwork objects of medieval Khurasan
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3.3. How ZIBs relate to earlier metalwork objects of medieval Khurasan
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3.4. Conclusion
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4. The physical characteristics of ZIBs
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4.1. Examination and analysis of the ZIBs
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4.2. Type One: the hinge opening
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4.3. Type Two: the bayonet opening
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4.4. Type Three: the chest drawer opening
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4.5. Type Four: the underbelly opening
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4.6. ZIBs’ weight-to-height ratio
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4.7. The ears of ZIBs
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4.8. The feet of ZIBs
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4.9. The tails of ZIBs
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4.10. Cheetahs, lynxes, caracals and lions
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4.11. Horses
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4.12. Conclusion
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5. Metalwork techniques used in the production of ZIBs and their dating
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5.1. Lost-wax casting
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5.2. Engraving, chasing and openwork
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5.3. Inlay
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5.4. Glass enamelling
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5.6. Production dates of ZIBs
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5.7. Metal assays for dating ZIBs
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5.8. Using inscriptions to date ZIBs
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5.9. A chronology for ZIB
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5.10. Conclusion
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6. Where in medieval Khurasan were ZIBs made?
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6.1. Gurgan
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6.2. Nishapur
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6.3. Hulbuk
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6.4. Ghazni
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6.5. Herat
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6.6. Taybad
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6.7. Tributes and gift giving
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6.8. Conclusion
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7. ZIBs and their literary sources
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7.1. ZIBs
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7.2. The chimeras in medieval Dar al-Islam
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7.3. The astrological associations
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7.4. The significance of farr
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7.5. Cintamani: the three-dot motif
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7.6. ZIBs and their internal trays
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7.7. Conclusion
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8. Incense use in medieval Khurasan
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8.1. The Turks
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8.2. Abbasid and Byzantine uses of incense
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8.3. The Copts
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8.4. The Chinese
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8.5. Buddhists and Hindus
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8.6. The lion-warriors: funerary and military rituals
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8.7. Esfand
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8.8. Medieval Khurasani ‘men of the sword,’ the lion-warriors
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8.9. Conclusion
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9. General Conclusion
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The catalogue
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The primary group of ZIBs:
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The secondary group of ZIBs:
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The primary group of ZIBs
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Appendices
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Bibliography
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Hyperlinks
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Citable Link
Published: 2024
Publisher: BAR Publishing
- 9781407353739 (ebook)
- 9781407353685 (paper)
BAR Number: S3166