INCENSE BURNER IN FORM OF A GARUDA CAST IN TWO PARTS Bronze India , 16th century Dimensions: Height 23,5 cm Weight: 1004 grams Incense burner on a square plinth. Garuda, the vehicle-mount of god Vishnu, is kneeling with one leg, his hands are joined in front of his chest in anjali mudra, gesture of greeting and prayer. He has a thin beak as a nose, his eyes are large and almond-shaped and he is smiling cheekily. The band of his dhoti is running down between his legs. His wings are spread out on his back and decorative flowy robes fall down beside him. He is also wearing a five-pointed headdress and the incense burner is attached on the top of a slim pillar attached in the centre of his head. The backside of the bronze figure is without decor and flat. Provenance: Collection Sharpes, Strasbourg , acquired 2003 in New York , original receipt available