Price on application
This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance
The BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
Silver Huqqa.
Lucknow, India, 19th century.
41 cm high.
This very unusual huqqa, or hookah (waterpipe) base is made of high-grade silver and has a striking diamond cut design on the body which rests on a plain foot. Below the plain polished silver neck of the huqqa, there is a repeat petal motif. On top of the tapering base, there is a holder for the tobacco and a tube with a mouthpiece, with polished silver lower segments and diamond cut design on the upper parts. The base holds the water and the tobacco is smoked through the tube. The high quality of this huqqa suggests a skilled silversmith. The huqqa were popular in India and became a status symbol amongst the aristocracy. A rosewater sprinkler dated to the late 19th centre and made in Lucknow, India, has similar intricate diamond pattern (see bibliography, plate 82). It is possible that this huqqa was also made in Lucknow, a city well known for its highly skilled craftsmen.
Bibliography
Dehejia, Vidya. Delight in Design. Indian Silver for the Raj, Mapin Publishing Pvt.Ltd. India, 2008.
The BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
