Object Name: Incense burner
Artist: Unknown
Place of Origin: South India
Date: 18th century
Dimensions: H: 23.70 cm, W: 9.50 cm, D: 25.00 cm
Materials Used: Brass
Credit Line and Accession Number: Fowler Museum at UCLA. Gift of the Pal Family. X2001.11.69
The bull Nandi, sacred vehicle (vahana) of Shiva, dominates this incense holder, which can be used in an arati ritual in the same way as a lamp. Rather than wicks burning oil or ghee, in this case sticks of incense are inserted in the small holes that mount the arch.
Source: Exhibition wall text, Flames of Devotion: Oil Lamps from South and Southeast Asia and the Himalayas.