Syriac Incense Burner, copper alloy, Middle East

Islamic art refers to the visual arts that were produced in the Islamic world, which encompasses a vast geographical area stretching from Spain and North Africa in the west to Central Asia and India in the east. Islamic art is characterized by its focus on religious themes and its emphasis on the representation of spiritual truths. Islamic art is also known for its distinctive aesthetic features, including the use of calligraphy, geometric patterns, and arabesque designs. Islamic art covers a wide range of media, including architecture, painting, calligraphy, ceramics, and textiles. In the narrowest sense, the arts of the Islamic peoples might be said to include only those arising directly from the practice of Islam. More commonly, however, the term is extended to include all of the arts produced by Muslim peoples, whether connected with their religion or not. In this article, the subject includes the arts created in pre-Islamic times by Arabs and other peoples in Asia Minor and North Africa who eventually adopted the Islamic faith.

An incense burner is a vessel designed to hold and burn incense, which is a substance that emits a fragrant aroma when burned. Incense burners come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, ranging from simple to ornate designs. They are commonly used in religious ceremonies, spiritual practices, aromatherapy, meditation, and for simply creating a pleasant atmosphere in homes or other spaces. The basic design of an incense burner typically includes a base or dish to catch ash and debris, a central area or holder where the incense stick or cone is placed, and often, decorative elements such as carvings, engravings, or embellishments. Some incense burners are designed to hold multiple incense sticks or cones simultaneously.