Brazier (Miniature brazier)

Description

This dainty wrought iron brazier is constructed of a cylindrical body with an interior fitted and pierced iron plate, all supported by three shaped and scrolling legs. Like the closely-related chafing dish form, braziers held and warmed a dish over hot coals or transferred coals used to light other items. Large braziers were most commonly used to keep food and spaces warm away from the fireplace, but they had a variety of secondary uses. The notably diminutive size of this example suggests that it served as a perfume burner, or a brûle-parfum. Popular in Europe, perfume burners heated aromatic essences and oils, diffusing lively aromas into the air and masking any unpleasant odors. Though worn from age and use, the fine workmanship of this example contributes to both its ornament and utility. Its miniature size and pierced wooden handle allow the implement to be portable and placed on a tabletop. Swage-hammered folding shells that top the upright legs could support a small dish. Behind each of the burner’s scrolled feet are short applied rods which once held in place a small iron pan to catch falling ashes. Finally, the filed punch work design in the barrel of the burner provides not only a lively decorative effect with glowing light, but also air-flow for live embers.