Byzantine Bronze Censer with Relief of Fishing Scenes

Byzantine Bronze Censer with Relief of Fishing Scenes, ca. 4th to 5th Century AD. Censer with a panel of a fishing scene depicted in relief. The scene contains two men in a boat with one casting a net while the other steers, a boy swimming, and another man sitting holding a fishing rod. Each person is surrounded with a variety of fish. A very dense scene. Above this panel is a geometric design radiating around the lip of the censor. Pierced in three places for suspension. Scenes such as these are often found on mosaics and cloth. This is possibly a religious implement used during a ceremony for the burning of incense. It was designed to hold heated coals which incense was burned over. This piece was suspended by a chain. D. 4 3/4" (12 cm)..