Antique Sterling Silver Islamic Indian Pipe Hookah Huqqa 19th Century India

Huge 73.8 cm (29 inches) Antique 19th century India solid sterling silver Islamic Indo Persian, Indian water pipe hookah, huqqa narguile comprising a base of truncated conical form with concave walls, resting on a spreading flattened rounded foot, the squat shoulder and the base decorated with bands of repousse repeating vegetal designs against punched ground.

The middle part divided into two baluster form parts surmounted by a large bulbous furnace decorated en suite with the base with bands of repousse repeating vegetal designs against punched ground with the pierced top attached with chain and surmounted by the perching bird. The curved tapering spout applied with perching bird’s leaves and group of hanging decorative chains with bud drops.

There are no visible silver hallmarks, however, we had tested by acid for purity of the silver which is Sterling Silver of 925 grade.

This is the largest sterling silver Indian hukkah which I have ever seen in my entire 50 years involvement in antiques business.

HEIGHT (from the base to the end of the silver spout): 73.8 cm (29 inches)

WEIGHT: 2140 g = 2.14 kg (75.48628 ounce = 4 pounds 11.49 ounces)

CONDITION: In very good condition considering its age, no repairs or restorations, minor surface scratches and minor dings, beautiful, showing the age and usage patina. The flexible hose of the pipe made of wooden rings originally was wrapped with a braided thread which is complete worn out.

For related hookah in the collection of Los Angeles County Museum of Art please see the link below:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Water_Pipe_(huqqa)_LACMA_M.90.116.jpg