Thymiaterion (Incense Burner) (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

4th century BC
Etruscan
copper alloy
Overall: 16 3/4 × 5 3/4 × 5 in. (42.55 × 14.61 × 12.7 cm)
80.19

The stand of this thymiaterion (incense burner) features the popular Etruscan motif of a marten (a type of feline) chasing a rooster. Thymiateria were common in households throughout the Mediterranean world at a time when bathing, ventilation, and waste disposal were often inadequate or lacking. Incense was also burnt in temples as part of religious rituals.

Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Fund
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.