Bronze Hanging Coptic Censer

This sculptural bronze object is a 19th-century liturgical censer, or thurible, used for guided prayer and ritual ceremony within the Coptic Orthodox Church. Blessed by the Priest prior to use, the censer was lit with incense such as frankincense, carried throughout the church temple, and accompanied by prayer and scripture readings.

The thurible features a square censer with a domed lid perforated with an overlapping circle pattern and topped with a large cross. The lid lifts to reveal a deep incense burner wherein burning embers and grains of incense would be placed. The censer is raised upon a perforated footed base and hangs from four wire chains secured to a handle shaped as a processional cross. Its tarnished surface and intricate form adds incredible texture to modern interiors, reimagined as a decorative lamp or wall hanging.