Bidspirit auction | AN INDIAN BIDRIWARE BELL SHAPED

AN INDIAN BIDRIWARE BELL SHAPED BRONZE HOOKAH BASE, 18/19 C. - A hookah base (also known as a huqqa base), from India, dates to the 18th or 19th century, during the Mughal or post-Mughal period. The base is bell-shaped with a wide flaring foot, tapering into a narrower neck where the upper elements of the hookah would attach (such as the stem and bowl). This form provided both stability and an elegant silhouette. The piece is made of cast brass or bronze, a common material for Indian hookah bases due to its durability and ability to hold detailed engraving. The surface is richly hand-chiseled and engraved with dense floral and foliate motifs, featuring paisley-like leaves and creepers, all characteristic of Mughal artistic tastes. The detailing reflects the high craftsmanship associated with luxury hookahs used by nobility and aristocracy. This piece would have held water in its lower chamber to cool and filter the smoke. It was part of a larger hookah assembly that included a stem, bowl, and flexible pipe for inhalation. Hookahs (huqqas) were both functional and symbols of refinement, often used in courts and upper-class households across the Indian subcontinent. Decorative bases such as this one were often prized for their aesthetic and technical sophistication. Bidriware Hookah Base, India, 18-19 cc. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions does not ship in-house. A list of recommended shippers will be provided. Dimensions: H: 9 in., (22.9 cm.); 10 5/8 in., (27 cm.) Condition: Good. Wear to the decorative elements throughout. A small chip on the bottom edge.