Incense Burner (Doop Dhani) – Buddhist Ritual Object with Filigree

Incense box worked in filigree, silver- and gold-plated, with set colored stones. Known as a doop dhani, this type of vessel is traditionally used to burn incense sticks during ritual ceremonies. The fragrant smoke that rises is offered to the gods and goddesses.

The rectangular box opens with a removable lid, beneath which a corrugated metal insert serves as a rest for incense sticks, allowing them to burn evenly. Small openings in the lid let the smoke escape.

The box is worked in filigree. Thin wire is bent into spirals, filled with small arched elements, and joined in an ornamental pattern. The openwork band encircling the box depicts lotus petals. The lid shows a central blossom flanked by two further blossoms. Symmetrically arranged arcs of beaded wire end in buds of colored stones.

The doop dhani follows the established iconographic conventions of Vajrayana art in the Kathmandu Valley, in which form, symbolic meaning, and ornament are brought together in a balanced composition.

Incense box, Doop Dhani

copper, decorated with fine filigree, gold- and silver-plated, set with colored stones. The object is patinated. Handcrafted in Nepal.

• Height: 4.3" / 11 cm
• Width: 11.4" / 29 cm
• Depth: 11 cm / 4.3"
• Weight: 1,328 g

NOTE
The silver layer on the inside of the lid may discolor from burning incense. The object consists of two parts: the box and the lid.