Mexican Spanish Colonial Incensario

Pierced flowers on the lid, a fluted bowl below, and three slender chains to swing it by.

This Spanish Colonial incensario comes from Mexico and dates to the 19th century. It is silver, inscribed "Zacatelco, Tlaxcala 1-21-48". Incense burners of this kind, called censers or thuribles, are swung on chains during Catholic services, and silver ones were often made by local smiths in colonial Mexico. Here a round bowl with fluted lobes sits on a stemmed foot. The domed lid is pierced with stylized flowers and openings and rises to a small knob. Three chains lift the lid and hang the whole from a single ring. It is 34.5 inches high and 5.5 in diameter.

Built to swing, and to perfume the air politely.