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An antique silver-plated copper liturgical thurible, dating back to the mid-18th century.

The object features a typical Baroque structure with a hemispherical cup, a perforated lid, and a chain suspension system. The surface is richly decorated with scrolls and ornamental motifs in the late Baroque style, while the chain attachments are decorated with small angelic heads modeled with singular expressiveness.

The heavily carved and worn modeling of the heads gives the figures an almost skeletal appearance, reminiscent of the memento mori iconography, a prominent feature of Baroque spirituality linked to meditation on death, prayer for the deceased, and funerary rites.

Due to its symbolic language and the liturgical use of incense in funeral ceremonies, the thurible lends itself to interpretation as an object intended for contexts related to the liturgy of the dead or by confraternities devoted to the suffrage of souls.

The interior retains clear traces of liturgical use.

An object of strong character, where ritual function intertwines with evocative iconography that evokes the Baroque dimension of vanitas and meditation on the transience of life.

Period: Mid-18th century

Material: Silver-plated copper

Height: 24 cm (9.4")
Width: 15 cm (5.9")
Weight: approximately 1.6 kg

Condition: Good overall condition with natural wear to the silver plating and signs of use consistent with its liturgical function.