A ROCK-CRYSTAL WATER PIPE (HUQQA) BASE WITH GILT COPPER MOUNTS NORTH INDIA OR DECCAN, CIRCA 19TH CENTURY

Details

A ROCK-CRYSTAL WATER PIPE (HUQQA) BASE WITH GILT COPPER MOUNTS
NORTH INDIA OR DECCAN, CIRCA 19TH CENTURY
Of drop-shaped form tapering to a fine point, the sides with a curved vertical chevron lattice alternately engraved and inlaid in yellow metal, the the interior hollowed out with a large chamber with an aperture on top and on the shoulder, the top with a gilt copper fitting with bands of co-centric fluted patterns and scrolling vegetal motifs, the secondary aperture surrounded by a raised palmette
5 3/8in. (13.6cm.) high

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Lot Essay

This elegant huqqa base was probably designed to be compact and portable. A painting of Nawab Saif al-Mulk out hawking attributed to Hyderabad and dated 1795 in a private collection illustrates an attendant carrying a complete water pipe of this form (Mark Zebrowski, Gold, Silver and Bronze from Mughal India, London, 1997, pl.403, p.238).

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