Vintage Brass Tortoise Incense Holder or Filigree Metal Turtle Figurine
Vintage Brass Tortoise Incense Holder or Filigree Metal Turtle Figurine
Key Features
- Material: Crafted from a metal alloy like brass or bronze, giving it a solid feel and a classic, aged patina.
- Design: The figurine is a representation of a tortoise, a symbol of longevity, wisdom, and stability in many cultures. The shell is the most decorative part, featuring intricate patterns and cutouts.
- Filigree Work: The open-work design on the shell is not just decorative; it’s functional, allowing smoke to escape if the item is used as an incense burner. The detailed coiling and sculpting on the head and limbs add to its artistic value.
- Functionality: It primarily functions as an incense holder, but its symbolic and decorative value makes it a versatile item. It can also be used as a simple decorative statue.
- Aesthetics: The piece has a vintage, handcrafted look. The combination of the raw, unpolished metal and the detailed, patterned shell creates a unique and appealing aesthetic. It would be a great addition to a collection of spiritual or folk art.
- Symbolism: In many cultures, the tortoise represents good fortune, protection, and long life, making it a meaningful decorative item for a home or office.
This is a small, hollow figurine of a tortoise or turtle, likely made from brass or a similar metal alloy. The design is a mix of solid casting and open filigree-style work, which is concentrated on the shell. The head, tail, and legs are solid, while the shell has intricate cut-out patterns and is decorated with fine, coiled metal lines. The hollow body and the openings in the shell suggest that this item is an incense holder or burner. An incense stick or cone would be placed inside, and the smoke would waft out through the openings in the shell. The piece has a rustic, handcrafted feel, possibly made using a lost-wax casting technique.
