Incense burner - Bronze, Brass - Incense burner / Surma Dani
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Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Two authentic antique Indian artefacts from the early 20th century, a Surma Dani kohl-holder and a ritual oil lamp or incense burner, cast in brass and bronze with patina, measuring 2.8 × 9.4 × 3.8 cm (70 g) and 5.8 × 8.2 × 2.3 cm (55 g) respectively, with the title information noting “Wierookbrander/Surma Dani.”
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Description from the seller
Two stunning authentic antique items from India; a Surma Dani (kohl container) and a ritual oil lamp or incense burner.
LINKS
Characteristic and authentic antique Surma Dani from the early twentieth century, made in South Asia. The kohl container is hand-cast from solid brass using the traditional lost-wax method, after which fine details such as the scales and fins were subsequently hand-engraved and cut. This specific piece is shaped as a stylized fish, a creature that within Eastern culture stands for luck, fertility, and protection. The object originally served as a reservoir for traditional eye cosmetics or kohl powder.
The object weighs seventy grams and has compact dimensions of 2.8 cm high, 9.4 cm long, and 3.8 cm wide. On the belly, decades of natural and asymmetrical wear have developed, underscoring the authentic age and historical use of the piece. In the deeper parts of the relief, there is a beautiful, lived-in dark patina that gives the object a unique appearance. The flask is in charming vintage condition and is offered without the original screw cap with applicator stem, making it a beautiful and intriguing decorative piece for collectors of ethnographic items, curios, or antique Asian metal objects.
Dimensions: 2.8 x 9.4 x 3.8 cm
Weight: 70 g
RIGHT
Rare and characterful tribal art object from the first half of the twentieth century, originating from the central regions of India such as Chhattisgarh or Odisha. The object is skillfully designed as a stylized fish and originally served as a functional ritual oil lamp or incense burner. This type of folk art is produced by local artisans using the centuries-old lost-wax casting technique. Because the clay form must be broken after the casting process to free the metal, this is an absolutely unique, handmade piece of which no second exists.
The statue is cast from a solid copper alloy of bronze and brass and displays the refinement typical of Dhokra art. The head and tail are adorned with hand-turned patterns and spiral accents, while the belly is built from an open lattice of diamond-shaped mesh that functioned as ventilation for smoke or heat. On the underside lies the original round filling opening. A special detail is the rattling sound that can be heard when the fish is shaken; this is caused by a trapped casting remainder in the hollow belly, a characteristic feature of this artisanal process. These authentic traits and the deep, natural patina in the grooves attest to intensive historical use within a domestic or temple setting and clearly distinguish this piece from modern tourist reproductions.
With compact dimensions of 5.8 cm high, 8.2 cm long, and 2.3 cm wide, and a weight of 55 g, this is a refined collectible. It is in excellent antique condition with the preservation of the original casting imperfections and wear inherent to early tribal metalwork. This lot forms a wonderful addition for lovers of Asian art, antique bronze, and ethnographic objects.
Dimensions: 5.8 x 8.2 x 2.3 cm
Weight: 55 g
Two stunning authentic antique items from India; a Surma Dani (kohl container) and a ritual oil lamp or incense burner.
LINKS
Characteristic and authentic antique Surma Dani from the early twentieth century, made in South Asia. The kohl container is hand-cast from solid brass using the traditional lost-wax method, after which fine details such as the scales and fins were subsequently hand-engraved and cut. This specific piece is shaped as a stylized fish, a creature that within Eastern culture stands for luck, fertility, and protection. The object originally served as a reservoir for traditional eye cosmetics or kohl powder.
The object weighs seventy grams and has compact dimensions of 2.8 cm high, 9.4 cm long, and 3.8 cm wide. On the belly, decades of natural and asymmetrical wear have developed, underscoring the authentic age and historical use of the piece. In the deeper parts of the relief, there is a beautiful, lived-in dark patina that gives the object a unique appearance. The flask is in charming vintage condition and is offered without the original screw cap with applicator stem, making it a beautiful and intriguing decorative piece for collectors of ethnographic items, curios, or antique Asian metal objects.
Dimensions: 2.8 x 9.4 x 3.8 cm
Weight: 70 g
RIGHT
Rare and characterful tribal art object from the first half of the twentieth century, originating from the central regions of India such as Chhattisgarh or Odisha. The object is skillfully designed as a stylized fish and originally served as a functional ritual oil lamp or incense burner. This type of folk art is produced by local artisans using the centuries-old lost-wax casting technique. Because the clay form must be broken after the casting process to free the metal, this is an absolutely unique, handmade piece of which no second exists.
The statue is cast from a solid copper alloy of bronze and brass and displays the refinement typical of Dhokra art. The head and tail are adorned with hand-turned patterns and spiral accents, while the belly is built from an open lattice of diamond-shaped mesh that functioned as ventilation for smoke or heat. On the underside lies the original round filling opening. A special detail is the rattling sound that can be heard when the fish is shaken; this is caused by a trapped casting remainder in the hollow belly, a characteristic feature of this artisanal process. These authentic traits and the deep, natural patina in the grooves attest to intensive historical use within a domestic or temple setting and clearly distinguish this piece from modern tourist reproductions.
With compact dimensions of 5.8 cm high, 8.2 cm long, and 2.3 cm wide, and a weight of 55 g, this is a refined collectible. It is in excellent antique condition with the preservation of the original casting imperfections and wear inherent to early tribal metalwork. This lot forms a wonderful addition for lovers of Asian art, antique bronze, and ethnographic objects.
Dimensions: 5.8 x 8.2 x 2.3 cm
Weight: 55 g
Details
Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
Incense burner / Surma Dani
Material
Brass, Bronze
Country of origin
India
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
5.8 cm
Width
8.2 cm
Depth
2.3 cm
Estimated period
1920-1930
