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 spherical censer with a perforated lid, wherein burning embers and grains of incense would be placed. The censer is raised upon a tall, footed base and hangs from three long chains strung with round bells and ending in a handle shaped as a processional cross. The incense burner's tarnished surface and intricate form adds incredible texture to modern interiors, reimagined as a decorative lamp or wall hanging.