Zoomorphic representation in Islamic art  

 Incense Burner
of Amir Saif al-Dunya wa’l-Din ibn Muhammad al-Mawardi, dated A.H. 577/ A.D.
1181–82, created by Ja`far ibn Muhammad ibn `Ali, made of bronze; cast,
engraved, chased, pierced, H: 33 1/2 in. L: 32 1/2 in. W: 9 in.  [7]

One example of a zoomorphic object is the incense burner of Amir Saif al-Dunya
wa’l-Din ibn Muhammad al-Mawardi, today located at the  Metropolitan Museum
 in New York
_._  Incense burners  were common objects for
zoomorphic forms that served as a container for aromatic material to be
burned.  [8]  This particular object comes from the Seljuq period in Iran.
[9]  It is made of bronze, meaning it was a more expensive object as metalwork
incense burners cost more to produce and were less common than other
productions made of clay or soft stones.  [10]  The work is meant to depict a
lion or large cat. The artist plays with the anatomical elements of the body
to fit the use for burning incense. Around the base of neck shows the area
where the head is designed to be removed for the insertion of coal and
incense.  [11]  Throughout the body small holes were punctured for the release
of the smoke. This object would have been found in a domestic space due to the
animal-like imagery.

 Bird-shaped oil lamp, dated
late 12th-early 13th century, made of bronze; cast, engraved, inlaid with
silver and copper, H: 8 in. L: 9 3/8 in. W: 11 13/16 in.  [12]

Another example of zoomorphism in Islamic art is the bird-shaped oil lamp,
located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The oil lamp would have
been used as an everyday object in a domestic space as well. The handle of the
lamp is depicted by the head and neck of the bird. The body takes the form of
the base of the lamp where oil can be poured in the small opening. The artist
uses the form of the bird to utilize the lamp either hanging or resting. There
are keyholes on either side of the body for the lamp to be hung by a chain and
the flat base allows for the lamp to be placed on any smooth surface.  [13]
The similarities between the incense burner and the lamp demonstrate how
zoomorphism was used throughout Islamic culture.

 Dagger with
Zoomorphic Hilt, dated to the second half 16th century, Hilt made of copper;
cast, chased, gilded, and inlaid with rubies, Blade made of steel; forged, L:
15 5/8 in.  [14]

Zoomorphism appears on objects beyond household items. An example of this is
the Dagger with Zoomorphic Hilt also located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
in New York _._ The hilt or handle of the dagger merges into the shape of a
dragon attacking a lion who is performing the same act onto a deer. Each
attacking animal is connected by its claws and teeth to form the handle. The
inclusion of Persian and Indian symbols of power was common in zoomorphic
imagery on hilts of daggers.  [15]  In this dagger there is a figure of a bird
in front of the deer who is meant to represent the Indian deity Garuda.  [16]
Due to the intricate design and craftsmanship of this dagger, it would most
likely not have been used for the purposes of a weapon, but rather as a
ceremonial object.  [17]  Many of the weapons included in Islamic art served
as symbols for power and wealth.  [18]