Skip Navigation

Collection Menu
<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 72.8_PS9.jpg)
Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 72.8_PS9.jpg)
<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 72.8_PS9.jpg)

Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 72.8_PS9.jpg)

<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 72.8_SL1.jpg)

Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 72.8_SL1.jpg)

<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_wwgA-2.jpg)

Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_wwgA-2.jpg)

<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negL_562_17A_bw.jpg)

Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negL_562_17A_bw.jpg)

<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negH_bw.jpg)

Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negH_bw.jpg)

<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negI_bw.jpg)

Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negI_bw.jpg)

<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negA_bw.jpg)

Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negA_bw.jpg)

<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negL_562_18A_bw.jpg)

Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negL_562_18A_bw.jpg)

<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negL_562_19A_bw.jpg)

Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negL_562_19A_bw.jpg)

<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negB_bw.jpg)

Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negB_bw.jpg)

<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negD_bw.jpg)

Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negD_bw.jpg)

<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negC_bw.jpg)

Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negC_bw.jpg)

<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negF_bw.jpg)

Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negF_bw.jpg)

<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negG_bw.jpg)

Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negG_bw.jpg)

<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negE_bw.jpg)

Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_print_negE_bw.jpg)

<em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_temples.jpg)

Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.72.8_temples.jpg)

DOWNLOAD

Censer

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
An arm-shaped censer like this one can be understood as a hieroglyphic representation of one of the most potent rituals, the rite of the presentation of the Eye of Horus. The incense bowl and the falcon terminal represent the Eye, while the arm is the hieroglyph for “presenting” or “giving.” The Eye of Horus was believed to possess the power to heal or protect whoever received it.
MEDIUM Bronze
  • Place Made: Egypt
    • DATES ca. 712–404 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY late Dynasty 25 to Dynasty 28
    PERIOD Third Intermediate Period to Late Period
    DIMENSIONS 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg)  (show scale)
    COLLECTIONS Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
    ACCESSION NUMBER 72.8
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Michael DeBry
    PROVENANCE Archaeological provenance not yet documented; March 25, 1926, sold at Hôtel Drouot, Paris, France; by 1972, acquired by Michael DeBry of Paris, France; 1972, gift of Michael DeBry to the Brooklyn Museum.
    Provenance FAQ
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION One bronze censer in two parts, in the form of an out stretched left hand, palm up, emanating from a papyrus umbel at the end of a long handle which is surrounded by a cartouche-shaped incense cup; the haft being made separately and ending in a stylized falcon's head; on the long side of the stem is a Demotic inscription. Condition: Excellent although there are traces of corrosion in places, and the incense cup is bent from its original shape with part of its wall missing. Haft and stem are now held together by a (modern) piece of wood which is embedded in the haft.
    EXHIBITIONS
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
    CAPTION Censer, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 72.8_PS9.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 72.8_PS9.jpg., 2018
    "CUR" at the beginning of an image file name means that the image was created by a curatorial staff member. These study images may be digital point-and-shoot photographs, when we don\'t yet have high-quality studio photography, or they may be scans of older negatives, slides, or photographic prints, providing historical documentation of the object.
    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
    You may download and use Brooklyn Museum images of this three-dimensional work in accordance with a Creative Commons license. Fair use, as understood under the United States Copyright Act, may also apply. Please include caption information from this page and credit the Brooklyn Museum. If you need a high resolution file, please fill out our online application form (charges apply). For further information about copyright, we recommend resources at the United States Library of Congress, Cornell University, Copyright and Cultural Institutions: Guidelines for U.S. Libraries, Archives, and Museums, and Copyright Watch. For more information about the Museum's rights project, including how rights types are assigned, please see our blog posts on copyright. If you have any information regarding this work and rights to it, please contact copyright@brooklynmuseum.org.
    RECORD COMPLETENESS
    Not every record you will find here is complete. More information is available for some works than for others, and some entries have been updated more recently. Records are frequently reviewed and revised, and we welcome any additional information you might have.
    <em>Censer</em>, ca. 712–404 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 21 1/2 in., 2 lb. (6.4 × 6.4 × 54.6 cm, 0.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Michael DeBry, 72.8. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 72.8_PS9.jpg)

    TAGS

    bronze
    arm-shaped
    censer
    B.C.E.
    dagger

    TAGS

    bronze
    arm-shaped
    censer
    B.C.E.
    dagger

    RELATED OBJECTS

    Elephant, or The Call Puma Elk Indian Warrior Setter The Wounded Comrade Modern Madonna Buffalo Princeton Tiger Chief Blackbird, Ogalalla Sioux Island of Elephantine (Egypt) Bowl with Lug Handles Portrait Medal of Paul Wayland Bartlett The Archer Wolfhound Wolfhound Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson Dish in the Form of a Duck Model Food Offering of Trussed Duck Hollow Figure of a Trussed Duck Kohl Tube in the Form of a Fish Double Kohl Tube with Applicator Canopic Jar with Cover Canopic Jar with Cover Canopic Jar with Cover Canopic Jar with Cover Inscribed Headrest Reclining Dog Fragment of an Offering List Fragment Mentioning Offerings Pilgrim Flask Physicians Box Paddle Doll Fragment of "Magic Knife" Apis Bull The God Nefertem Seated Khonsu or Osiris-Moon Soldiers Honoring Their Lord Overseer of the Treasury, Ptahhotep Marriage Document Panther Seizing a Stag (Panthère saisissant un cerf) Bacchantes Embracing, Small Model (Bacchantes senlaçant, petit modèle) Youth Triumphant (La Jeunesse triomphante) Scribe’s Palette and Reed Pens Ram-Headed Aegis Amulet of a Kneeling Ram Ram-Headed Lotus Column (Amun) Ananiah Gives Yehoishema a House