Incense burner in the shape of the lion/tiger, 11th -12th century AD Bronze finial coming from an incense burner in the shape of the head of the lion or tiger. Origin: Eastern Iran or Afghanistan; The head with pair of erected ears and nice face details including round recessed eyes for inlays, a pointed nose, and an open mouth. Perforated neck for the scented smoke to escape. For a complete incense burner in the shape of a lion see The Metropolitan Museum, Credit Line: The David Collection, Copenhagen (48/1981). Length: 38mm. Width: 27 mm; Weight: 65g. Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1980s. Reference: Feline predators were among the most popular forms for incense burners produced in the eastern parts of the Seljuq realm. Anatomy, proportion, and detail are commonly ignored in favor of abstraction and ornamentation. The thick “mustache,” prominent teeth, and protruding tongue are further expressive characteristics. With the feline standing on its four paws, its tail terminating in the head of a bird (of prey?) and its sharp beak pointing forward, evoking a weapon, this incense burner takes on a frightening and powerful dimension. The royal iconography of this piece is reinforced by the preciousness of the incense that it contained. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/642232