Antique Indian Sterling Silver Pipe Huqqa Hookah 19th century India
$7,500.00
Antique Museum Quality , large 73.8 cm (29 inches Indian water pipe Huqqa, Hookah. North India late 19th century.
This magnificent Water Pipe is made in many elements of 925 grade solid sterling silver.
WEIGHT: 2132 grams = 2.132 kg (75.20409 ounces = 4.7003 lb. ).
The pipe is finely hand hammered ,repoussé and chiseled and engraved in distinguishing late Mughal Indian pattern. It features an Islamic Indo - Persian design and consists of a base with a truncated conical shape and concave walls resting on a flattened, rounded foot.
The squat shoulder and base are beautifully adorned with bands of repousse vegetal designs set against a punched background.
The central section is divided into two baluster-shaped parts, topped with a large bulbous furnace. The furnace is decorated in a style consistent with the base, featuring bands of repoussé that display repeating vegetal designs against a punched background. The pierced top is connected by a chain and is crowned with a bird perched on top.
The curved tapering spout is applied with perching birds, leaves, and hanging decorative chains with bud drops.
Although there are no visible silver hallmarks, we tested the metal with acid and confirmed that it is sterling silver of 925 grade.
This is the largest sterling silver Indian hookah I have seen in my 50 years in the antiques business.
MEASUREMENTS:
HEIGHT (from the base to the end of the silver spout): 73.8 cm (29 inches)
WEIGHT: 2140 grams = 2.14 kg (75.48628 ounce = 4 pounds and11.49 ounces)
CONDITION: The item is in very good condition for its age, with no repairs or restorations. It has minor surface scratches and small dings, which add to its character, showing a lovely patina from age and use. The flexible hose of the pipe, made from wooden rings covered with leather, was originally wrapped in braided thread, but that wrapping is now worn out.
REFERENCES: Similar silver hookah is in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Please see the link below:
https://collections.lacma.org/node/224637
To see all 15 pictures of the pipe please see the link below:
https://www.antiquesword101.com/islamic-and-middle-eastern-art.php#!/Antique-Indian-Sterling-Silver-Pipe-Huqqa-Hookah-19th-century-India/p/750879972
