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Hookah Base
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Smoking tobacco was introduced to the Mughal court from Iran in the very early 1600s and soon became popular. This base formed part of a hookah, or water pipe, which consisted of a base that held water—sometimes perfumed with herbs or fresh fruit—a detachable bowl to hold tobacco, and a long tube. Early hookahs used existing vessels for bases, including coconut shells. By the late 1600s or early 1700s, richly decorated pieces like this were produced. The jewel-like decoration of blue and green blossoms evokes a garden in which a smoker might have sat.
| Artist / Maker | India, Mughal Dynasty (1526-1756) |
|---|---|
| Date | early 1700s |
| Culture / Origin | India, Mughal Dynasty (1526-1756) |
| Medium | Glass with colored enamel and gilding |
| Dimensions | Overall: 17.8 cm (7 in.) |
| Department | Indian and Southeast Asian Art |
| Type | Glass |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
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