Near-infrared spectrum of the central region of IRAS 16353−4636, acquired with the NTT on 2004 July 10. The identified emission lines are indicated, most notably Paβ, Paδ, ¹²CO lines and bands, ¹³CO bands, Brγ, and possibly Br10, and Br11. Upper panel: NIR J-band spectrum. Central panel: NIR H-band spectrum. Lower panel: NIR K_s-band spectrum.