Incense burner

Ferdinand Barbedienne, c. 1855 - c. 1865

The French bronze-founder Ferdinand Barbedienne exhibited this design at the international exhibitions in Paris (1855) and London (1862). The incense burner caused a furore. Its style was referred to as Greek Revival in reviews of these world fairs, but it is actually a mixture of assorted Middle Eastern and natural motifs, such as the large dragonfly on the burner’s neck.