MUGHAL INDIA, SECOND HALF 18TH CENTURY

Details

A BIDRI INLAID SILVER HOOKAH BASE
MUGHAL INDIA, SECOND HALF 18TH CENTURY
Of globular form, with cylindrical mouth with pronounced boss, the body with a broad band of large floral sprays between minor bands of similar floral decoration bordered by small bands of lobed pattern, negligible loss of inlay
7in. (17.8cm.) high

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis. Please note that the lots of Iranian origin are subject to U.S. trade restrictions which currently prohibit the import into the United States. Similar restrictions may apply in other countries.

Lot Essay

In this hookah base it is the quantity of engraving in the silver that is most unusual. Such engraving can however be found in one example in the Victoria and Albert Museum attributed probably to the Deccan 1750-1800 (Susan Stronge, Bidri Ware, Inlaid Metalwork from India, London, 1985, no.14, pp.51-53, ill.p.52). Another example with considerable engraving, attributed to Bidar, early 18th century, is in the Kronos Collection, New York (Mark Zebrowski, Gold, Silver and Bronze from Mughal India, London, 1987, no.393, p.234).

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