2-728-483 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Feline incense burner, 1100s. The head of this lion could be removed to fill its body with hot coals and incense; the pierced walls enabled the scented smoke to disperse. Inscriptions around the lion's neck and along his spine are from the Koran (62:9-10) and read in part: "O believers, when proclamation is made for prayer on the Day of Congregation, hasten to God's remembrance and leave trafficking aside . . . then, when the prayer is finished, disperse through the land and seek God's bounty, and remember God frequently that you may prosper."