Animal-Shaped Incense Burner from Egypt: 5th or 6th century AD
The incense burner has an openwork body and sits on four animal feet. A lion killing a boar (a very ancient theme repeated by Greek, Roman and Byzantine artists) decorates the sliding lid. The chain attached to the lion's head was used to suspend the censer, and an animal-formed fastener secures the lid.
The subject of the lion killing a boar or other animal was common in Roman art but continued into the Byzantine world. In addition to their functions in church, incense burners were also used at home, which is probably what this particular incense burner was for.
